Chapter 19: The Apothecary’s Secret

The hidden apothecary lay behind the bustling streets of old Beijing, cloaked in red lanterns and secrecy.

Aurora and Sebastian moved through the narrow alley like shadows, stopping before a door marked with ancient runes.

Inside, the scent of ginseng and smoke filled the air. Shelves lined with glass bottles glinted in low light.

A hunched old woman looked up from her mortar. "I was told the phoenix would return."

Aurora stiffened. "You know me?"

"Your soul left a mark," she said, smiling with few teeth. "You've come for answers."

Sebastian handed over a jade charm. "It belonged to the Empress. We found it sealed in the old estate."

The woman examined it, then pulled down a dusty scroll. "This symbol," she pointed to the phoenix, "is tied to a curse — one bound by betrayal. It only breaks when love outlives vengeance."

Aurora tensed. "Love… or vengeance. I can't have both?"

The woman nodded. "You must choose. As you did once before."

Sebastian stepped closer. "And if she chooses wrong again?"

"Then she will die before her soul returns. This will be her last life."

The room fell into silence.

Aurora stared at the charm, at the shadow of flames that seemed to flicker within it.

"I won't die again," she said.

"Then don't let hatred consume what love could save," the woman whispered.

They left with no cure — only a truth heavier than any poison.