The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the quiet street as Wei, Mei Lan, and Lin made their way back from their training. The weight of their recent battles still hung heavy on their minds, but there was a sense of fragile peace—until they saw her.
Lian.
Standing at the edge of the alley, her gaze downcast, as if she had been waiting for them. Her presence was like a ghost materializing from their past—a reminder of the betrayal that still stung deep.
Wei felt his stomach drop. He hadn't seen Lian since the day she set them up, luring them into the clutches of the Shadow Sect. The sight of her now brought a rush of conflicting emotions—anger, confusion, and a painful sense of loss.
Mei Lan, however, had no such mixed feelings.
Without a word, she stepped forward, her expression darkening, eyes narrowing with cold fury. Before Wei could react, Mei Lan charged at Lian, fists clenched, her body a blur of motion.
