Dawn's grey light touched the cave entrance, and the fire had faded to embers. Zhu Zhuqing woke to a dull throb in her side and the smell of dew on stone. For a moment, she was disoriented. Then she saw Arthev.
He sat near the cave mouth, his back to her, a still silhouette against the growing day. He wasn't sleeping, but sitting perfectly alert, like a sentinel carved from the mountain itself.
He turned his head slightly, as if he had felt her wake. "The forest is quiet. How is your wound?"
She shifted, testing the bandage. A sharp twinge made her inhale. "It is stiff. But better than last night." The memory of his hands binding the injury surfaced, and she pushed it away. "You did not sleep."
"It was not necessary," he said simply. He stood and stretched with a fluid grace that belied his long vigil. "We should move. The sooner we find your Dai Mubai, the sooner you can heal properly."
The phrase "your Dai Mubai" was neutral, but it made her bristle. Dai Mubai was not hers. He was an obligation, a last resort. She pushed herself to her feet, ignoring a wave of dizziness. Pride was enough to keep her upright.
Arthev was already gathering their few things the remaining berries in a cloth, the waterskin he had refilled. As they stepped from the cave, he offered an arm for support. She declined with a tight shake of her head. She would not show that much weakness.
The forest was thick with morning mist, the air damp and alive with the sounds of waking creatures. Sunlight cut through the canopy in scattered beams. Arthev moved ahead, his steps silent as he found a path that avoided the worst of the slopes and brambles. He was, she had to admit, a skilled guide.
'She moves like a ghost', Matatabi's voice purred in his mind. 'So light on her feet. It is a pity she insists on hiding her pain. It's rather endearing. '
' Endearing? It is stubborn and stupid', Shukaku scoffed.' If she falls, we will have to carry her! Just get it over with!'
'Patience, Shukaku ' ,Isobu intoned. 'Her pride is her strength. To break it would help nothing. This pace is acceptable.'
Arthev gave no sign of hearing them, but he slowed his pace almost imperceptibly, making it easier for her to follow without losing face. The beasts' chatter was a constant murmur in his mind, a council of powers he had long learned to manage.
They walked for hours in silence. Zhu Zhuqing focused only on placing one foot in front of the other, her determination a fire that burned against the pain. She watched Arthev's back, this strange boy from the shadows who asked for nothing and offered no false comfort. She felt it,his quietness felt like respect.
By midday, the ground began to level out. "The road is widening," Zhu Zhuqing said, her voice rough from fatigue. "A town cannot be far now."
The sun was nearly down by the time they reached the city gates. Their first task was to find a room. Zhu Zhuqing, pushing through sheer will, tried several respectable-looking inns, but each was full. With each rejection, her steps grew slower, her face paler.
In the end, desperate and swaying on her feet, she pushed open the door of the nearest building. The lobby was bathed in a distinct, rosy light.
The clerk behind the counter gave her a slick smile, his eyes drifting from her to Arthev. "You are in luck. We have just one room left."
"We need two rooms," Zhu Zhuqing insisted, her tired mind slow to catch his meaning.
The man chuckled, rapping his knuckles on the counter. "Come now, beautiful lady. Look at the sign." He gestured to a logo of two intertwined hearts above his head. "We are a place for couples. For intimacy."
Upon hearing his words, understanding hit her, and a furious blush spread across her face. She looked completely mortified.
Arthev watched her, noting the tremor in her hands. He stepped forward before she could speak. "We will take it." He placed the payment on the counter. "I will keep watch outside."
"Arthev, you can't ..." she started, embarrassment choking her.
He turned to her, his voice low and final, leaving no room for argument. "You can barely stand. You need a safe place to rest, not a bench in an alley. The nature of the room is irrelevant; it has a door and a lock. That is what matters."
He picked up the single key. "Your pride is a poor shield against infection. Go upstairs."
His words were so coldly practical they cut through her protest. He was right, and she was too exhausted to argue.
Just then, a burst of loud laughter came from the entrance. "Ah! Young Master Dai! Your room is prepared! I have added some new... amenities I think you will appreciate!" The clerk's voice became unctuously eager as he hurried to greet the newcomer.
Arthev felt Zhu Zhuqing go rigid beside him. Her breath caught.
"Is that him?" Arthev asked, his voice low.
She did not answer. She was staring at the blond young man in the doorway, who had a woman on each arm. He held them with a familiar, casual arrogance. Her hands tightened into fists at her sides.
'So this is the one I was sent to find', she thought, the realization cold and sharp. The Evil-Eyed White Tiger. He does not look like a man dedicated to cultivation. He looks... entertained. I was the only one who believed this was serious.
A single, hot tear escaped, cutting a clean line through the dust on her cheek. Before another could fall, Arthev shifted his stance.
It was a subtle movement, but it placed his body between her and the door, blocking Dai Mubai's line of sight. He didn't look at her or offer a word. He simply gave her a moment of privacy.
Zhu Zhuqing quickly wiped her face with the back of her hand. "I do not like this place," she whispered, her voice thick but steady. "Let's go."
Arthev merely nodded. He asked for no explanation. His silence was a greater understanding than any words could have been. He turned and followed her out.
"Stop!"
Rhen suddenly, the blond man's voice cut across the lobby, loud and commanding. He was clearly a regular. The staff and patrons all turned to look, their attention settling on Zhu Zhuqing. It was clear from their expressions they expected some drama from Young Master Dai.
Zhu Zhuqing ignored him, walking faster toward the door.
"I said stop!" Dai Mubai snapped, his irritation plain. He shoved the two women aside and strode forward, his hand shooting out to grab her shoulder.
Thwack.
Another hand intercepted his, clamping down on his wrist like an iron manacle. The movement was a blur.
A murmur ran through the onlookers, who instinctively took a step back. Everyone knew Young Master Dai's temper.
"I believe she wishes to leave," Arthev said, his voice low and even. His eyes were narrowed, holding a cold, measuring look devoid of fear.
"Who are you?" Dai Mubai snarled, his eyes sweeping over Arthev's worn cloak. "How dare you interfere!"
"She didn't provoke you," Arthev replied, his tone icy. He increased the pressure on the wrist in his grip. "Is it your habit to assault injured women?"
"Injured?" Dai Mubai's eyes flickered to Zhu Zhuqing's retreating back, then back to Arthev, a cruel smirk forming. "And how did she get injured? Did you two have a rough night? She looks like she can't handle much." The implication was crude, designed to provoke.
Arthev's gaze didn't waver. "Your mind is as filthy as this establishment. She is wounded from a fight she didn't start, something a man hiding behind women might not understand."
The insult landed. Dai Mubai's face flushed with anger. "You! Do you know who I am?"
"I know what you are," Arthev said, his voice dropping so only Dai Mubai could hear. "A disappointment."
A sharp pain shot up Dai Mubai's arm. This strength… it's immense! He was a Soul Elder, yet he couldn't break free. The boy in the ragged cloak was unmovable. His eyes darted from Arthev's impassive face to the girl's retreating back, and an ugly suspicion began to form.
To be continued…