The day dawned with a leaden sky, covered by clouds that blocked the light.
It was as if the Empire itself was holding its breath.
Suwei was escorted by two eunuchs to the Inner Throne Hall, known as the Chamber of Silence.
Few entered there. Only those who were summoned... and never by chance.
The obsidian doors opened without a sound.
Inside, everything was shrouded in soft shadows, barely illuminated by blue-flamed torches.
And at the back... him.
The Emperor.
Jin Long.
He wore no crown. No ceremonial cape.
He was dressed in black and gold, with loose hair and closed eyes.
He seemed to be meditating. Or restraining himself.
Suwei took three steps, as tradition dictated, and knelt.
—Jinhai Suwei of the Jinhai House (of the white crane)... at your service, Majesty.
The silence was thick.
Until the emperor opened his eyes.
And in that instant, the air changed temperature.
Jin Long's eyes were not of this world.
Black, yes... but with golden streaks that seemed to move. As if he had liquid fire in his soul.
He looked at him for long seconds.
Not as one looks at a subject.
But as one examines a threat... or an unexpected reflection.
—You have been brought without my approval —he finally said, in a low, deep, cutting voice.
Suwei did not respond immediately.
—I came because the Council dictates it. But my presence here... will not be silent.
Jin Long raised an eyebrow.
—Do you think yourself different from the rest?
—No. But the fire speaks to me.
For the first time, the emperor's eyes narrowed.
And then, it happened.
The imperial seal on his chest, hidden under his robes, briefly activated.
An ancient symbol glowed, burning his skin as if remembering something.
Jin Long closed his fist.
He felt it.
He recognized it.
But said nothing.
—
—You are bold, Jinhai Suwei —he finally said.
—I am Jinhai —he replied—. Boldness is the only thing they couldn't take from us.
Another silence settled between them.
But this time, it wasn't hostile.
It was dense. Like a fire contained between two worlds that still don't know whether to embrace or devour each other.
—
The emperor turned his face toward a torch.
The blue flames moved violently.
Suwei felt something pulling from inside him, as if his soul was responding to the invisible seal that contained Jin Long's power.
Without further words, the emperor stood up.
He walked toward the exit.
Just before crossing the doors, he spoke without looking at him.
—We will meet again. When the fire decides.
And then, he disappeared.
Suwei remained alone, breathing with difficulty.
The box in his chest vibrated.
His mark burned.
And a certainty fell upon him like a dragon's mantle:
—This will not be a simple meeting between bodies...
It will be a war between souls.