Chapter 56
The cold night air bit into Ping's skin as she wrapped her cloak tightly around herself. She had been walking for hours, her feet aching with every step. The village she had hoped to reach by nightfall was still nowhere in sight. Alone, exhausted, and carrying a secret no one knew, she felt the weight of her decision pressing down on her.
Her breath was shaky as she leaned against a tree, trying to steady herself. The night was silent, except for the occasional rustling of leaves. The wind howled softly, sending a shiver down her spine. She had never felt so vulnerable.
She had left the palace thinking she could find peace, but now, she wasn't sure if she had made the right choice. A deep loneliness crept into her heart. She missed Ling. Even if she had run away for a reason, she couldn't deny the ache she felt for him.
Just as she was about to move forward, a sudden snap of a branch made her freeze.
Her heart pounded. She turned sharply, her eyes darting through the darkness. "Who's there?" she called, but no answer came.
Then, before she could react, a hand clamped over her mouth.
She tried to scream, but the sound was muffled. Strong arms wrapped around her, dragging her backward. She kicked and struggled, but her strength was nothing against her captors.
"Stop fighting," a rough voice growled near her ear. "Or you'll regret it."
Terror coursed through her veins.
She was lifted off her feet, carried like she weighed nothing. Through her blurred vision, she caught sight of at least three figures surrounding her. They were dressed in dark clothing, their faces concealed by masks.
Her stomach twisted in fear. Who were they? What did they want with her?
She thrashed again, but a sharp slap to her face left her dazed.
"Keep quiet," another man snapped. "Or we'll make this worse for you."
Tears stung her eyes, but she refused to break. Her hands balled into fists as she silently prayed for a way out.
Then, she felt a cloth pressed against her nose. A strange, sweet scent filled her lungs.
No—
Her vision blurred further, her limbs going numb. The last thing she saw before darkness consumed her was the cold, merciless gaze of her kidnappers.
And then, everything went black.