Chapter 32
The night was calm, the gentle rustling of leaves filling the air as Ling and Ping walked through the palace gardens. The scent of blooming jasmine lingered, and the cool breeze brushed against their skin. For the first time in a while, there was no tension between them—just quiet companionship.
Ling let out a rare, content sigh, tilting his head toward the sky. "The moon is full tonight," he murmured.
Ping followed his gaze, admiring the bright glow. "It's beautiful."
But before Ling could respond, a sharp pain shot through his body. His knees buckled slightly, and he clutched his chest.
Ping turned in alarm. "Ling?"
His breathing turned ragged, and then—it happened. Blood trickled from his nose, then his mouth. His vision blurred, and the familiar, unbearable pain surged through the scar on his torso—the very spot Yuchen had stabbed him with the cursed blade.
Ping gasped as the dark stain spread across his robes. "Ling! What's happening?"
He stumbled, gripping his side, his body trembling as if something inside him was tearing apart.
"Get back," he warned through gritted teeth.
But Ping didn't listen. Instead, she rushed to him, kneeling beside him. "Tell me what to do! Someone, call a physician—"
"No!" Ling's voice was sharp, stopping her. "They can't help."
She stared at him, her heart pounding. "Then who can?"
He winced, struggling to steady himself. "No one."
Ping's hands trembled as she reached for him. His skin was burning, yet his body was cold. She had never seen him like this—vulnerable, in agony.
She pressed her hands over the wound, her voice desperate. "There must be a way to heal you!"
Ling let out a bitter chuckle, despite the pain. "If there was, don't you think I would have found it by now?"
Ping's eyes filled with unshed tears. "There has to be something…"
He finally looked at her, and for the first time, she saw it—the fear in his eyes. Not for himself, but for her.
"If you stay near me," he whispered, "you might get hurt too."
Ping shook her head. "I don't care."
Ling clenched his jaw, the pain intensifying. His body gave out, and before he collapsed, Ping caught him, holding him in her arms.
She had been afraid of him once. But now, she was afraid of losing him.