Tears welled up in her eyes, not just from fear but from the deep sadness of yet another betrayal.
She had thought, maybe, just maybe, Su Jiyai could be different.
But how could she? The world had never shown Huo Ning true kindness.
Bracing herself for the worst, Huo Ning slipped the pill into her mouth and swallowed, closing her eyes tightly as she waited for the familiar surge of pain to wash over her.
Her body tensed, muscles tightening, waiting for the burn, the agony she knew too well.
Seconds passed.
But instead of pain, a soothing warmth began to spread from her stomach, gently unfurling through her veins.
It was subtle at first, like the faintest touch of sunlight on a cold day, but it grew stronger, warmer, until it enveloped her completely.
The warmth wasn't searing or harsh like the institute's drugs; it was calming, comforting, like a soft blanket wrapping around her aching body.
