It was almost time for everyone to wake up—those who slept, obviously—and I had to return to the palace before that, or else people would see it as strange.
I mean, not that it mattered. I could leave and do whatever I wanted, but Ma Chen would ask too many questions, and that was not good. As the sun began to rise, casting a warm glow over the sleepy town, I hurriedly made my way back to the grand palace. The palace grounds were still and serene, a stark contrast to the bustling streets I had just left behind.
The secret passage I used to leave was the same I used to enter, and no one noticed my arrival. I sneakily returned to my room and went to bed. I knew someone would soon appear to wake me up, but I wanted to rest a little after everything that happened last night. It was a good way to get used to my new power.
