"You're late," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart.
Li Qiang's lips curled into a faint, humorless smile as his gaze lingered at her face. "Had to make an entrance."
Wang Rouyun's eyes narrowed. "You're stupid for coming here," she whispered, her voice shaking. She didn't know whether it was from fear or anger—perhaps both. "The King set this all up. It was all a trap."
Li Qiang ignored her comment. Instead, he bent down to free her from the chains, his movements precise and calm. He didn't say a word, just worked quickly to unlock the heavy shackles around her wrists and ankles. The moment they clicked open and clattered to the floor, he stood up and, without warning, pulled her into a tight embrace.
