The mist closed in, thick and oppressive, swirling around them like a living entity. Shadows stretched and shifted, monstrous forms flickering through the fog.
Ling Yue, grinning like a wolf, stood with her hands on her hips, ears twitching.
"It's showtime," she purred, cracking her knuckles, her sharp canines gleaming in the haze.
Then, the creatures appeared—hulking, eel-like bodies writhing through the haze, jagged teeth gleaming in the dim light. Their empty eye sockets glowed.
Shui Yi gagged as their rancid stench washed over her. Her throat constricted, a panic rising in her chest.
"Try not to get in the way, former princess," the huntress teased as she raised her claws.
Shui Yi's chest tightened as her gaze dropped to the ground, the overwhelming sense of helplessness crushing her. She wanted to fight, to stand alongside them, but at this moment, she was nothing more than a bystander. Every instinct told her to fight, but she had lost her power. If only she could reach deep within, and reclaim the strength stolen from her. But her mermaid essence was stripped. She was nothing.
The creatures lunged, but before she could even react, Long Fei was already beside her. He sighed, slipping earplugs into his ears before gently cupping his hands over her ears, his steady grip anchoring her as the chaos swirled around them. Her body tensed, but his touch was so calming, that she couldn't help but lean into it. She briefly forgot about the phantoms, about her weakness, about everything.
Ling Yue's mouth stretched wide, and a piercing screech tore through the air. The fog dissipated as the wraiths writhed, their distorted shrieks drowned under the barrage of her sonic attack. Shui Yi's knees buckled from the sheer force of the sound, her balance wavering. His steadying grip was the only thing keeping her upright.
The fierce one flipped forward, landing between two ghouls with a satisfied grin. She twirled, her movements a blur of lightning-fast punches and kicks, cracking through the wraiths. They were sent sprawling, bodies crashing to the ground. A smaller group tried to circle her—she snorted, flicking her wrist, and tendrils of water sprang to life, coiling like serpents before lashing out. They crumbled into the mist.
One managed to slip past her defenses. Its claws descended—
The mortal warrior dashed like a shadow. Instantly behind the creature, he struck its temple with a deadly blow. The beast twisted violently before slamming into a tree with a sickening crunch. He calmly put the earplugs back in his sleeve.
She shrugged. "Master, I would've handled that one."
Shui Yi clenched her fists, her stomach churning. She couldn't breathe. She couldn't fight. She was useless. A bitter sting of shame welled up inside her. If only I hadn't been so foolish if only I hadn't lost my pearl, my powers… Her hands clenched at her sides, useless. Now, she could barely stand. Her mind whirled with self-loathing, but then she felt Long Fei's steady presence beside her, his calmness grounding her. He was protecting her. Again. He wasn't expecting her to fight or be strong at this moment. He was present, ensuring her safety, even when she felt so far removed from what she once was.
A spirit lunged from the side, but Long Fei didn't need to look. He extended his palm, releasing a blast of Qi that instantly obliterated the creature.
But then, he paused. He tilted his head back, closing his eyes briefly, listening. He opened his eyes and swept the mermaid into his arms.
Ling Yue huffed, rolling her eyes.
"There's another one. Much stronger."
"But Master I can—"
"No. Ling Yue, run. Now."
The ground trembled beneath them. The mist thickened, swirling violently as an invisible force loomed, suffocating, oppressive. He tightened his grip on the princess.
The huntress' eyes widened, her ears drooping. Without another word, she turned and darted off, her speed quickened.
Long Fei propelled himself forward, his qi flaring, and the wind howled around them as he kept pace with her. Shui Yi clung to him, her face pressed against the warmth of his chest. The battle raged around them, but all she could feel was the steady rhythm of his heart, the firm grip of his arms around her. The world blurred in the rush of haze, yet she could feel him—stable, a presence she hadn't realized she so desperately needed.
Her mind reeled. She had always been independent. But now, here she was—helpless, a burden in the arms of a man she had once mistrusted.
And yet, he wasn't holding her out of obligation. His touch was not one of duty. It was gentle, and reassuring, like he genuinely cared for her. And for the first time, she realized he was protecting her because he wanted to.
A deep ache of shame and gratitude welled inside her. She looked up at him, as he focused ahead. She no longer saw him as a culprit, but as the man who had been there for her when she was weak and had nothing left to offer.
"Master... you're not a thief," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I was wrong about you... I—I'm sorry."
He faltered for a split second, then round-kicked a beast that sprung from the side. He continued his pace to catch up to his guide. Although he didn't say a word, she noticed a slight smile tugged at his lips.
***
The guardian warrior flashed a wicked grin as she danced between the demons, clearly enjoying the chaos. She glanced at the princess and quipped, "You better not get all sentimental while we're about to be torn apart by wraiths, former princess."
Long Fei tightened his grip, refocusing on the danger ahead. This poor girl is too weak to fight. I need to get her to safety—now.
"Ling Yue, we can't outrun it. Find a place to hide."
She nodded and darted downward, her instincts guiding her.
The mist surged behind them, the ominous presence drawing closer. Fast. Too fast.