Feng Wei's words hit me like a punch. I had some idea about why she was being sent on this pilgrimage, but hearing it laid out like that made it feel even more tragic. I glanced at Ling Ling, who was standing beside me. Her fingers were fidgeting, her face pale. I remembered how, just this morning, we'd almost crossed a line ourselves. The fire of lust had nearly consumed us like moths to flame.
Now, seeing the panic and regret in her eyes, I felt a deep ache in my chest. This wasn't just about the sad woman in chains—it was about us, about the choices we'd almost made and the consequences we'd have to face.
Feng Wei wasn't done. "She's a monster!" he shouted, pointing at the woman. "And you're defending her? What does that make you?"
