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“To those who have to provide it,” I agreed.

Zhangwei glanced at the silhouette of Kunlun, almost drowned in the dark. “The Wuxin believe they have found the ideal victims among your people. A wealth of emotion, in a land devoid of magic—unable to withstand their attacks. Prey who cannot fight back.”

Captain Li shook her head, and when she spoke, her tone was respectful but firm. “Honored Immortal, we aren’t victims, nor are we prey. We are well trained in combat, adept at weaponry and fighting. Now that we’re aware of the danger, we will prepare accordingly. They will not take us by surprise again.”

Pride surged through me at her words, underscoring our strengths rather than our weaknesses. Some believed the ruler needed to be the pinnacle of wisdom, but the truth was, I was learning from my people every day. Captain Li was braver than most; it was no easy thing to correct the God of War.

Zhangwei did not reprimand her as I almost expected. “Your training is evident, as is your courage. You have much to take pride in. But it’s not a fair fight if one side possesses magic and the other does not. While you can undoubtedly hold your own in combat, what can you do against spells of fire, wind, and ice? What if your weapon cannot inflict harm on your enemy? You will fall, through no fault of your own.”

I hated the truth in his words, how vulnerable we were. Tianxia should not be the stage for the battles of gods and monsters, ill equipped as we were. My people would suffer, they would die, all for a war we’d never sought. A reminder of what was at stake for our future, and what I was fighting for.

“What can we do?” I asked. “We may be weaker, but this doesn’t mean we’ve lost—just that the battle is harder.”

Zhangwei inclined his head to me, then Captain Li. “Make what preparations you can. I will craft a barrier to help protect those within the palace that will give you a little time.”

I stared at him, a little of the wall I’d built around my heart falling away. This couldn’t be easy for him, already much weakened. I’d thought mortal lives mattered little to him, and yet he was risking himself to help my people.

“How can we prepare? What about those outside the palace?” Chengyin asked.

“Gather all the immortal weapons we have. Send more patrols out, closer to Kunlun to watch for any unrest. Each must carry at least one immortal blade,” I instructed. “While the danger is present, any who wish can shelter within our walls.”

“We need more weapons from your realm, Honored Immortal,” Captain Li said gravely. “With this attack, we are at the brink of war, if not already knee-deep. We must be able to protect ourselves—to better guard Kunlun, to keep the realms safe.”

“I have reached an agreement with the God of War,” I assured her. “He will speak on our behalf.”

“Things cannot continue as they have,” Zhangwei agreed. “Once the skies are unsealed, I will confer with Her Majesty. For now, we must make do with what we have.”

“Will your queen agree?” I asked.

“Her Majesty is wise; she will listen to reason. Peace spoils the victor. We grew careless, content with the way things were—believing the enemy safely locked away while they were hard at work, gaining on us. Strengthening your kingdom will help us, too.” Zhangwei addressed the soldiers now: “Rest assured, I will do all I can to keep you safe.”

“Thank you, Lord Zhangwei,” I said. This time I didn’t use his title to set him apart, but to honor the God of War who protected us.

“There is no need to thank me,” he said softly. “I’m not doing this just because of our pact, but because it’s right.”

“I know,” I replied. “And that is why I’m thanking you.”

It was like everyone else had faded away, and it was just us in that moment. His eyes had never seemed so dark, so unfathomably deep—and though I might drown, I didn’t want to look away.

Zhangwei raised his hands, shimmering with his power. Bands of crimson light surged forth, knitting together. They circled us, stretching wider across the grounds, shining like sunstruck copper. His breathing was uneven, but when he spoke, his voice remained steady. “This barrier will guard the palace. It will hold against minor incursions and alert you should the Wuxin attempt to enter again.”

As my people bowed to him, Zhangwei held out his hand to me. “Come, we must leave now.”

“Where are you going?” Minister Dao asked, his voice shrill. “Will the God of War not stay to defend us?”

He shook his head. “The Lady of Tianxia must come with me to Kunlun, to secure the safety of the realms.”

The ministers stared at me, afire with curiosity, yet none dared to question Zhangwei.

“Let me come with you,” Chengyin offered. From the side, Aunt Shou was scowling—she didn’t want either of us plunging into danger.

“I must do this alone. No other mortal is allowed into Kunlun,” I reminded him.

“A troop of soldiers is always stationed close to Kunlun, to patrol the foothills and surrounding areas. More can accompany you from here, Liyen.” Chengyin dropped my title in his urgency. “They can help protect you if need be.”

“His attentiveness is beginning to grate,” Zhangwei said icily.

I glared at him. “Chengyin is right. Who knows what enemies lurk? But we can’t wait. The soldiers can follow after us and catch us on the way.”