The hunting grounds stretched endlessly, dense with towering trees and winding paths that led deeper into the wilderness. It was a rare occasion—one where the royal family and esteemed noble households gathered for an event that was both tradition and a display of power. The Emperor, along with his sons, led the hunt while the ministers and their families accompanied them, either spectating or participating in the event.
Shen Yue sat atop her horse, keeping to the sidelines with the other noble ladies. She had no real interest in hunting, but tradition required her presence. Beside her, Shen Ruo wore an expression of feigned amusement, though the glint in her eyes told a different story.
"Sister, I heard the second prince excels at hunting," Shen Ruo mused, her voice light. "Perhaps you will be lucky enough to witness his skills up close."
Shen Yue ignored her, focusing instead on the distant figures of the princes. Li Han sat atop his black stallion, his gaze sharp and observant. Unlike the others who eagerly raced ahead, he remained cautious, as if anticipating something.
Just then, Shen Ruo leaned closer. "Oh dear, your horse seems uneasy. How unfortunate."
Before Shen Yue could react, her horse suddenly reared up, startled by something unseen. The reins slipped from her fingers, and before she could regain control, the horse bolted into the thick forest.
"Shen Yue!" someone called, but the wind roared past her ears as the panicked animal galloped wildly.
Branches tore at her sleeves, her heart pounding as she struggled to hold on. She tried pulling at the reins, but the horse refused to slow. It wasn't until a sharp whistle echoed through the air that the beast finally skidded to a halt.
A strong hand grabbed the bridle, steadying the horse.
Li Han.
His piercing eyes met hers, his jaw tight with frustration. "Are you hurt?"
Shen Yue shook her head, breathless. "No… but how—?"
"I saw Shen Ruo near your horse before it bolted," Li Han muttered, his tone dark. "It was not an accident."
Shen Yue's stomach twisted. "She did this on purpose?"
He nodded. "She wanted you lost. And now we need to get back before—"
A sudden sound cut him off. The sharp whistle of an arrow.
Li Han reacted instantly, grabbing Shen Yue and pulling her down as an arrow buried itself into the tree beside them. More followed, their tips gleaming in the fading light.
Assassins.
Li Han drew his sword, his expression turning deadly. "Run."
Shen Yue didn't hesitate. She turned and ran as fast as her skirts would allow, but the sound of footsteps closing in sent terror through her. Li Han fought fiercely, cutting down the first few attackers, but they were outnumbered.
More arrows flew, forcing them deeper into the woods. The sounds of battle faded as the two of them kept moving, but the assassins pursued relentlessly.
"They're after you," Shen Yue panted, glancing at him.
Li Han's eyes darkened. "They won't stop until I'm dead."
Before she could question further, another arrow whizzed past them. The ground beneath them sloped sharply, leading toward a rocky cliffside.
"We can't outrun them like this," Li Han said, scanning their surroundings.
The assassins grew closer. There was no way out.
Then, with a sudden, reckless decision, Li Han grabbed Shen Yue's hand and pulled her toward the edge.
"Hold on," he murmured.
And then—he jumped.
Shen Yue barely had time to scream before they plunged into the abyss, the world spinning as they tumbled into the raging river below.
The icy water swallowed them whole.