The Imperial Palace had finally become quiet.
Too quiet.
For several weeks, the palace had been free from the strange incidents that had once terrified everyone. There had been no unexplained footsteps in the corridors, no servants collapsing after claiming they had seen someone who wasn't alive, no shadows moving where nobody stood.
After Shin Gu's death, everyone had hoped the nightmare was finally over.
But the Emperor knew better.
Something had changed.
The danger had not disappeared.
It had simply moved somewhere no one could see.
And now, the northern reports had given them their first real direction.
---
Inside the Empress's private courtyard, the atmosphere was unusually serious.
Only a small group had been permitted inside.
The Emperor.
The Empress, Lian An.
The Dowager Empress.
Prince Liang.
Princess Zhi.
Lady Chen.
And General Wei Rong.
No ministers.
No palace officials.
No servants except two trusted attendants stationed far away.
