Night had completely swallowed the palace.
The grand courtyards that were usually filled with servants, guards, and the soft sounds of activity had become almost unnaturally quiet.
Only the occasional flicker of a lantern disturbed the darkness.
Inside Shin Gu's courtyard, however, one candle was still burning.
Shin Gu sat alone beside the window.
She had not changed from her evening clothes.
Her long hair fell loosely over her shoulders, and her normally composed expression was nowhere to be seen.
She looked tired.
Very tired.
Her fingers were wrapped tightly around a small cup.
She stared at it for a long time.
Then—
A faint sound came from behind her.
Shin Gu immediately turned.
A man dressed in dark clothes stood near the entrance.
His face was partially hidden beneath his hood.
Shin Gu's expression changed.
"You came."
The man closed the door behind him.
"It is time."
Shin Gu stared at him.
"Time?"
"Yes."
His voice was low.
"You cannot stay here anymore."
