Deep within the shadows
A dim hall stood silent.
Cold.
Unforgiving.
At the center
A woman sat gracefully on a carved wooden throne.
Her fingers lightly brushed against a lotus shaped blade.
Elegant.
Deadly.
"…Speak."
Her voice was calm.
But heavy.
A kneeling disciple lowered his head.
"Reporting to the Sect Leader"
"General Shen Yan has returned from the mission."
She remained silent.
Unmoved.
"…And?"
"There is… a woman with him."
For the first time
Her fingers paused.
"A woman?"
"Yes."
The disciple hesitated.
"…She is not ordinary."
Silence filled the hall.
"She defeated multiple men with ease," he continued.
"Her movements… were unfamiliar."
A slight smile formed on the woman's lips.
"…Unfamiliar?"
"Yes, Sect Leader."
"She uses techniques we have never seen before."
The woman leaned back slowly.
Eyes narrowing.
"…Interesting."
Her gaze darkened.
"And Shen Yan?"
The disciple swallowed.
"He… allows her to stay by his side."
Silence.
Then
A faint laugh escaped her lips.
"So… he brought a woman into his camp."
Her grip on the blade tightened slightly.
"How unexpected…"
She stood up.
Step by step
Graceful.
Dangerous.
"…And she's strong?"
"Yes."
"…Good."
Her lips curved into a smile.
But her eyes
Were cold.
"I was getting bored."
She turned her back.
"…Prepare."
The disciple froze.
"Prepare… what, Sect Leader?"
A pause.
Then
She spoke softly.
"I want to meet her."
She walked toward the window
Looking into the distance.
"…But not like this."
Her reflection in the glass
Cold.
Beautiful.
Dangerous.
"…If she stands beside him"
Her voice dropped.
"Then I will simply… stand closer."
A slow smile appeared.
"The Princess…"
Her eyes gleamed.
"…will be useful."
She closed her eyes briefly.
"…Let's see…"
"…how long she can stay by his side."