Chapter Fifteen
Ping sat frozen, staring at the spot where Ling had stood just moments ago. His words echoed in her mind—because you are not like them.
What did he mean?
Did he see her differently from the others? Or was it just another one of his cryptic ways of avoiding the truth?
She sighed, rubbing her arms as a cool breeze swept through the open courtyard. It was strange—being in Mora, living among people who feared their own ruler, yet she was beginning to see cracks in the image they had painted of him.
Ling was feared, yes. But was he truly the monster they claimed him to be?
A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Come in," she called, though her voice was hesitant.
Mei stepped inside, bowing slightly. "My lady, dinner has been prepared. The king has requested your presence."
Ping's stomach twisted. The thought of facing Ling after their conversation felt… different. Not out of fear, but uncertainty.
Still, refusing wasn't an option.
With a deep breath, she nodded. "I'll be there."
Mei smiled and stepped aside, allowing Ping to follow her through the grand halls of the castle. The flickering lanterns cast long shadows on the stone walls, making everything feel both elegant and haunting.
As they reached the dining hall, the guards pushed open the massive doors, revealing a long table lined with golden plates and steaming dishes. At the far end sat Ling, his mask absent, his golden eyes already fixed on her.
Ping swallowed hard.
Something had changed between them.
And she wasn't sure if that was a good thing—or something far more dangerous.