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The celestial orb ascended the night sky, casting a soft, silver glow over the realm of Xuanming. The moon, revered as a celestial deity, held the secrets of destiny and love, and beneath its ethereal light, the paths of two souls converged.
Meilin Xī, her ebony hair cascading like a waterfall, stood alone in the tranquil garden of the Xī estate. Dressed in a gown of azure silk, she resembled a phantom, her graceful movements betraying a silent yearning. Her family's residence, once vibrant with life and laughter, now stood as a haunting echo of a happier time.
She gazed up at the radiant moon, her heart heavy with the memory of her family's tragic loss. Her parents, Lady Xin Xī and Lord Jun Xī, who had instilled in her the values of grace and resilience, were now mere stars in the night sky, guiding her through the darkness of her life.
Meilin had always found solace in the moon's gentle glow, a reminder of her family's love and the unbroken bond that transcended death. Tonight, as she contemplated the ever-changing patterns of the stars, she could not have known that her world was about to be irrevocably altered.
The garden's tranquility was shattered by a sudden, ominous presence. Dark figures emerged from the shadows, their malevolent intent unmistakable. Meilin's family, aware of the impending danger, fought valiantly to defend their home and their lives.
Amidst the chaos, her parents made a heart-wrenching decision. With tears in their eyes, they forced Meilin to hide in a concealed alcove, the size of a small cabinet, despite her protests.
**Lady Xin Xī (whispering):** "Meilin, you must hide. Stay quiet, my child."
**Lord Jun Xī (his voice trembling):** "It's for your safety, Meilin. We love you."
**Meilin (desperate):** "No! I won't leave you! Please, don't make me hide!"
They knew that her safety was paramount, even as they faced the threat head-on.
As Meilin huddled in the cramped space, her heart ached with a profound sense of helplessness. Through a small hole in the cabinet, she could see the assassins advancing, their sinister silhouettes illuminated by the moonlight.
**Assassin 1 (harsh whisper):** "Find them all! Leave no survivors."
Tears blurred her vision as she watched in horror. Her parents, valiant and defiant, fought fiercely to protect their children.
**Lord Jun Xī (gritting his teeth):** "You'll never harm our family!"
But the attackers were ruthless and well-trained.
**Assassin 2 (coldly):** "Your defiance is futile."
Meilin could hear the clash of steel against steel, the cries of her loved ones, and the shattering of her world.
**Lady Xin Xī (painful cry):** "Meilin, remember our love..."
Through that small, cruel window, she witnessed the assassins' brutality, the unspeakable violence that claimed her family's lives. As her family's strength waned, Meilin's grief and rage welled up, threatening to consume her.
The moon, her silent confidante, bore witness to the assassins' heartlessness and the devastating tragedy that would forever haunt Meilin's soul. She had been forced to hide, to survive, while her family fell beneath the unforgiving moon. The memory of that night would fuel her burning desire for justice and retribution in the dark days to come.