Chapter 38: The Visitor in Silk
The Lin family's envoy stood in the central hall like a peacock that had wandered into a wolf den—draped in expensive brocade, chin high, and eyes darting like a mouse's.
Mei Xiao peered at him from behind a carved pillar. "He looks like someone who charges extra for breathing."
Murong Jing He gave her a sharp glance, but she only grinned innocently and whispered, "Just saying."
The envoy bowed stiffly. "Lord Murong. The Lin Patriarch sends his regards… and a gift. A token of peace."
Behind him, two attendants rolled in a large, veiled object on a lacquered cart. Jing He's brow twitched.
"I don't trust gifts wrapped like coffins," Mei Xiao muttered again.
The veil lifted.
A crystal orb pulsing faintly with red light.
Mei Xiao's heart skipped. She didn't know what it was… but her flame responded. A dull thrum stirred in her chest, faint but undeniable.
"It's reacting," she whispered.
Jing He stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Tell your master… we are not so easily tempted."
"But the Lin family insists—"
"I said no."
The envoy flinched. The air grew cold.
Behind Jing He, Mei Xiao's voice broke the tension with a muttered, "Ten out of ten for drama. If he had a fan to snap open, this would be chef's kiss."
That earned her a sidelong glare. "Mei Lin…"
"What? I'm just trying to lighten the mood before somebody gets poisoned."
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Scene Parallel – Elsewhere, in Shadow
A figure knelt before a fire burning green. The same sigil Mei Xiao carried glowed faintly on the wall behind him.
"They've found the fourth," a voice echoed.
The man rose, his eyes black as obsidian. "Good. Let them gather the pieces."
"Why?" the voice hissed. "They will grow stronger."
"So will I," he said with a cruel smile. "And when the final flame is lit, I'll burn the world with it."