Jin-Ho stood on the palace ramparts, looking out over the horizon in the chilly night air that smelled of rain. Ever since Mei Lin had warned him, he had been agitated. Yun Zhen would arrive.
Breathless, a low-ranking guard rushed at him. "Assassins have been reported close to the outer gate, sir."
Jin-Ho's heart was pounding. He knew deep down that Yun Zhen would be spearheading the attack because the Crown Prince's life was on the line. He could face his old acquaintance if he left now. However, the prince might not make it through the night if he stayed.
He clutched his sword, his knuckles turning white. Which obligation was more important, his honor or his friendship?
With Kaida by his side, Yun Zhen squatted on the wall enclosing the palace grounds. The roads below were illuminated by the flickering torches of royal guards. Jin-Ho could easily reach the Crown Prince's quarters.
Kaida said, "This is your moment," her voice brimming with joy. "You'll be free at last if you kill the prince."
Zhen gazed at the prince's apartment's golden-lit window, but all he could see was Jin-Ho's face, contorted in agony from their previous meeting. He held his dagger in his hand. There would be no going back if he killed the prince. However, Master Chu would punish him quickly and permanently if he hesitated again.
"You have a choice," Kaida growled.
As Jin-Ho ran toward the Crown Prince's quarters, avoiding shocked courtiers and guards, the corridors became hazy. He was aware that if they hadn't already, the assassins would strike soon.
With his sword out, he charged into the antechamber. The guards standing at the door were slumped against the wall, unconscious. Inside were the assassins already.
Jin-Ho felt his heart race in his ears. He could barely do it for a few seconds. With his sword up, he kicked in the door, prepared to face whatever was inside. Even before he met Yun Zhen, he could feel his presence.
Jin-Ho discovered Yun Zhen standing over the sleeping Crown Prince in the prince's quarters, his dagger gleaming in the moonlight.
"Zhen!" Jin-Ho raised his sword and yelled.
Slowly, Yun Zhen turned and lowered his mask. The space seemed too small to support the weight of their shared past.
Jin-Ho said, "It doesn't have to be like this." "This is not necessary for you to do."
Cold and unreadable, Zhen's eyes met his. "Jin-Ho, I made my decision a long time ago."
With their swords drawn and the air between them charged with everything they couldn't say out loud, they circled one another like wolves. With each swing of the blade, old wounds reopened.
As Jin-Ho and Zhen battled with the ferocity of men who knew they couldn't escape this unscathed, the sound of steel hitting steel reverberated throughout the room. Every blow was weighed down by sorrow, betrayal, and hidden realities.
Blood was drawn from Zhen's shoulder when Jin-Ho's sword touched it. It only required a brief moment of hesitation on Zhen's part.
His weapon was disarmed by Jin-Ho's subsequent blow, which sent the dagger flying across the ground. Breathing heavily, Zhen knelt helplessly. Over him, Jin-Ho stood with his sword ready to strike, but his hand was shaking.
Zhen said in a harsh whisper, "Do it." "Stop it."
But Jin-Ho was unable to. The blade faltered.
During that pause, Kaida emerged from the doorway. She growled, "You fool," and lifted her bow.
Before Jin-Ho could react, the arrow took off. Zhen shoved Jin-Ho away in time to catch the arrow intended for him, and his eyes widened in surprise.
With the arrow embedded deep in his side, Jin-Ho grabbed Zhen as he fell. Zhen's mask came off for the first time in years, and the youngster Jin-Ho had once referred to as brother reappeared.
"Why?" Jin-Ho held him and whispered.
Zhen smiled, a small, shattered one. "Because there are some things that are worth keeping."