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“This is why it’s imperative to secure the Mortal Realm for our people,” Lord Dalian replied curtly. “Take the bell, Mother.” The last was spoken as a command.
The other courtiers were watching as Aunt Shou finally nodded, reaching for it. “I didn’t know about these troubles.”
“I didn’t want to worry you,” he replied. “Rest assured, I didn’t act lightly. I will secure our people’s future and avenge my sister.”
My mind whirled. They were not attacking our realm out of vengeance, ambition, or greed—but desperation. If the Wangchuan River fulfilled them as before, would they still invade us?
Aunt Shou touched Lord Dalian’s shoulder where I’d stabbed him. “How is your wound?”
“The healing is slow. Her blade was no ordinary one; it vanished before I could retrieve it.” He scowled as he adjusted his sleeve, his cold gaze flicking toward me. “I grow bored of this weak body. With her here, maybe this vessel has served his purpose.”
Panic flared, along with hate. Before I could protest, Aunt Shou cast me a warning look.
“We still need him,” she said. “Their bond is strong. He will tether her to us, ensuring her obedience. And as importantly, your healing will be quicker in the mortal’s body.”
He nodded. “You are right, Mother.”
It struck me then, Aunt Shou knew there was no engagement between Chengyin and me, yet she hadn’t told Lord Dalian. Was she trying to protect Chengyin? Or was she keeping her own secrets because she didn’t wholly trust him? Either way, this was a divide I might be able to wrest wider apart.
“How was I brought here? Has the gateway been opened?” I desperately hoped to be wrong, even as I sought a way out—suppressing a rush of longing to go home.
Lord Dalian’s expression darkened. “Not entirely. Only a few can cross each day.”
I feigned a look of surprise. “Why not open it all the way through? Is it hard?”
“Prying just this sliver apart is an immense strain—who else would dare to undertake such an endeavor? It is far more complex than anything you might conceive,” he snapped. “While there are restrictions to the crossing, while it is dangerous for now—it’s a worthwhile risk to secure our future.”
Easily said, when another paid the price instead of him.
“You have accomplished what no one else could do, my lord.” Captain Rao flattered him in a fine display of how he’d earned the gold bell. “Soon the gateway will be open and our forces in place to invade the Mortal Realm.” His eyes gleamed like he was eager for war, but Miss Lin’s expression was tense.
She hesitated, then moved forward to bow to Lord Dalian. “Perhaps an invasion may not be necessary if the Wangchuan River can be restored?”
Several courtiers nodded, not all as hungry for war as the captain.
Lord Dalian’s eyes slid toward me. “Of course. It’s why she’s here.”
“What do you want from me, Lord Dalian?” I braced for him to ask about the Divine Pearl Lotus, to demand its surrender.
“A simple task.” He stretched his arms along his throne. “You’ve heard how the waters of the Wangchuan have weakened in potency. We believe they’ve been tainted.”
The hall had gone quiet, everyone staring at us.
“We’ve traced the taint to the pond in the Temple of the Crimson Moon. It is connected to the Wangchuan, and we believe this is causing the river’s power to wane.” Lord Dalian’s gaze hardened. “I need you to purify the pond, to restore the Wangchuan River. Only one who wields the power of the Divine Pearl Lotus, as you do, is allowed into the temple.”
At last, he’d mentioned the lotus, but questions still crowded my mind. I’d thought he wanted it to open the gateway. Had I been wrong? Did he only want to use me—the lotus—to restore the Wangchuan River? To help their world instead of destroying mine?
It would be infinitely preferable to end a war rather than to start one.
I bit the inside of my cheek, thinking hard. If they knew I’d surrendered the lotus, Chengyin and I would suffer. “Is it safe for me to enter the temple?” I asked carefully.
He smiled as though I’d already agreed. “There is no danger. Once you are inside, your task will become clear.”
“If I do this, will you let Chengyin and me go? Will you swear to leave the Mortal Realm alone?”
His eyes gleamed. “If you succeed in restoring the Wangchuan River’s power, we won’t need your realm.”
Unease thickened. He’d agreed too quickly, without even negotiating the terms. His answers seemed too convenient, too smooth. Yet how could I refuse? There was little choice, but what if I could delay it? Even now, Zhangwei might be searching for me, gathering reinforcements. I just needed a little time.
