Chapter 30
The soft glow of the lanterns flickered as Ping sat in Ling's chamber, watching him sleep. She had told herself she would only stay for a little while, but as the minutes turned to hours, she found herself unable to leave.
His breathing was steady, his usual sharp expression softened by exhaustion. He looked peaceful—almost vulnerable. It was strange seeing him like this, the mighty Shadow King, who terrified armies, resting so calmly.
She should leave. She should.
Yet, her feet remained rooted to the floor.
Her thoughts were in chaos. Why did she feel like this? Why did seeing him safe bring her so much relief?
Ping sighed, rubbing her temples. This wasn't part of the plan. She had sworn she would never fall for him.
A sudden movement startled her. Ling shifted, his hand instinctively reaching out. Before she could react, his fingers brushed against hers.
Her breath hitched.
His eyes fluttered open, dark and intense, locking onto hers.
"You're still here," he murmured, voice thick with sleep.
She quickly pulled her hand back. "I—I was just about to leave."
Ling smirked, his gaze never leaving her face. "Were you?"
Ping turned away, cursing the warmth in her cheeks. "You should rest."
He sat up slowly, stretching. "I've rested enough."
She made a move toward the door, but his voice stopped her.
"Ping."
It was the first time he had said her name like that—soft, without the weight of obligation.
She turned slightly, avoiding his gaze.
"Thank you," he said.
"For what?" she asked, confused.
Ling's smirk faded, his expression unreadable. "For worrying about me."
Her heart skipped a beat.
"I wasn't—"
He chuckled. "Liar."
Ping clenched her fists. "You're impossible."
She left before he could say anything else, but as she walked back to her chamber, she couldn't ignore the way her heart pounded in her chest.
She had been so sure of her hatred for him.
But now, she wasn't sure of anything at all.