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“No one from Thorn Valley has set foot here since the bridge was destroyed,” Lord Hairong protests.
“These are exceptional times,” Lady Shila says. “The Sun Dragon hovers on the brink of death, the safety of our home is at stake. We will pray for your success,” she tells Shenming.
As we leave, fear sinks its claws deep, prying loose the urge to run from the looming danger of returning to the Iron Mountains, of the enemies who seek our destruction.
It is beginning to feel like nowhere is safe.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
I’M COMING WITH YOU.” DIAN STABS HER CHOPSTICKS through a dumpling as though daring me to object.
I returned late last night, waiting till morning to share the news of the waterfall’s discovery and my imminent journey. Shenming hasn’t arrived for breakfast, likely too busy with the arrangements.
Ruilin goes pale, catching Dian’s sleeve. “Father’s soldiers will still be searching for me—I took the starfire he needs to secure Queen Chunlei’s favor. What if someone recognizes me?”
Dian pulls her closer. “You shouldn’t go; it’s too dangerous.” When Ruilin looks ready to protest, Dian adds, “It would also endanger us all if you were sighted.”
“What if you’re caught? What if the soldiers torture you as they did before? You’re not healed yet—”
“That won’t happen.” Yet my sister rubs her ring, her gaze haunted.
I will never forget her anguish when the ring was seized from her, I’ll never forgive Prince Zixin for it. “Ruilin is right. You’re still weakened, without your full strength. What if you’re hurt?”
“What if you’re hurt?” Dian’s eyes flash. “There are few people I’ll risk my life for; you’re one of them. But this isn’t just about you or me anymore. I will protect our home and the Sun Dragon.”
Silence falls as Father ladles out steaming bowls of congee. “I don’t want either of you to go,” he says heavily. “But the Elders have agreed that Yining will. She no longer has a choice. You do, Dian.”
She takes the bowl from him, clasping his hand. “Father, I know you worry; you prefer us to remain home. But danger found us here too, it took Mother and Yining away. These are perilous times, with Queen Chunlei preparing for war. Our people need the Sun Dragon to withstand the threat of the Iron Mountains. We can no longer hide, expecting others to shield us. If we don’t fight for ourselves, we will be swept away.”
As Father sighs, laying his other hand over hers, a new weight sinks through me. I won’t lose my family again—like Dian, I will protect our home. “Stay with Father and Ruilin,” I try to persuade my sister. “I will be safe with Shenming and the other soldiers.”
“Try to stop me and I’ll follow on my own,” she replies brusquely, “which will be far more dangerous.”
Our gazes lock, uncompromising and fierce. But a rush of emotion floods me and I bend first, hugging her tightly, blinking away the prickle in my eyes. The bonds of family are at once our greatest strength and vulnerability.
Someone knocks on our door and enters: Shenming, in armor. He greets my father and remains by the entrance. “I don’t have time to eat this morning, Uncle Sikyong. I need Yining to come with me.”
“I haven’t packed—”
“Not to find the waterfall. We must go to Thorn Valley first.”
My body goes rigid. “Why?”
“The lords refused the Elders’ summons.” His face darkens. “They insist that we visit Thorn Valley if we want their help. They must sense our need to make such a demand.”
I suppress a flare of satisfaction. A clever move to make Mist Island acknowledge the spreading decay in Thorn Valley.
“Why must I go with you?” I ask cautiously. This request couldn’t have come from Jin; he wouldn’t draw unwanted attention to our relationship.
At least, what remains of it.
“It was Lord Hairong’s suggestion. Before, you mentioned Lord Jin-Yong sought your help to find the dragon, back in the Palace of Nine Hills. He knows you, he saved you and Dian. Your presence might ease tensions.”
Lord Hairong has a keen mind. Though this time, he might have misjudged. With Jin’s anger toward me, the desired help may cost far more than expected.
In the silence, Shenming clears his throat. “Will you come?”
Pride urges refusal, an ache gripping my chest in remembrance of Jin’s coldness. Yet I must see him before leaving to strengthen the barrier, I won’t leave Thorn Valley vulnerable in my absence.
