A Game of Truths

Chapter Eleven

Ling watched Ping carefully, as if weighing his next words. The breeze carried the scent of cherry blossoms between them, but the air was thick with something else—tension.

"You're bold," he finally said. "Most would not dare demand the truth from me."

Ping lifted her chin. "Then I'm not like most."

Ling's lips twitched slightly, almost as if he wanted to smile—but didn't. Instead, he took a slow step toward the pavilion's railing, gazing at the shimmering lake.

"Very well," he said. "Ask your question."

Ping hesitated. She had so many. But there was only one that truly mattered.

"Did you kill your parents?"

The question hung between them like a blade. The moment it left her lips, Ping braced herself for his anger—for him to lash out or confirm the rumors in a chilling voice.

But Ling didn't react as she expected.

He didn't flinch. He didn't glare.

Instead, he let out a quiet sigh.

"The world believes I did," he said. "And I have done nothing to deny it."

Ping's heart pounded. "So it's true?"

Ling finally turned to her, his golden eyes unreadable. "No."

Silence.

Ping searched his face for any sign of a lie. She expected relief at his answer, but instead, unease settled deep in her chest.

"Then why let people believe it?" she asked.

Ling leaned against the railing, his gaze distant. "Because sometimes, fear is the only thing that keeps a kingdom standing."

His words sent a chill down her spine.

This man—this Shadow King—was not at all what she had imagined.

And the more she learned, the more she realized… she might not be ready for the truth.