Arrival at Tianlong
The gates of Tianlong opened like the maw of a waiting beast.
Mounted atop a white stallion, Lin Yue rode at the head of her procession, her tattered cloak billowing behind her, stained from the bloodshed at Yunlong Gorge. The towering city walls, gilded roofs, and crimson banners fluttered against the gray sky, hiding a thousand secrets beneath their grandeur.
Every step closer to the capital tightened something inside her chest.
This was not just a city. It was the heart of the empire-and the center of rot.
Tianlong's streets were lined with bowing nobles and curious commoners. But behind their respectful expressions were whispers, judgment, and fear. They knew of the ambush. They knew she'd survived.
And that terrified them more than if she'd died.
Feiyan rode beside her, face pale, trying to mimic her composure. Lin Yue gave her a small nod. Hold your head high, girl. Let them see the fire in you.