That night, a man quietly entered Elora's room, his steps soft as he approached her bed. His gaze, filled with complexity, rested upon her.
The flickering candlelight cast fleeting shadows on the man's profile, revealing his features only after a moment. It was Gu Han.
He himself couldn't quite fathom why he had come. All day, a restless unease had consumed him, and even sword practice could not quiet his mind. The thought of her impending death stirred a gnawing agitation in his chest. He wanted to save her, yet she was the leader of a heretical sect, while he was the heir of the Eternal Night Order. Logically, he should not intervene. But despite his reasoning, he found himself unable to resist. He had come. Perhaps this would be his last act of kindness toward her, for when their paths crossed again, they would be enemies.
Ding~ Target's affection +10, current affection value: 50.
Gu Han gently lifted Elora and positioned himself before her, placing her hands within his. He gathered his internal energy, directing it into his palms to help expel the poison from her body.
From a young age, Gu Han's body had been immune to all toxins. Detoxifying another was as simple as transferring the poison to his own body, which had no serious effect on him.
...
Three days later, Elora awoke. "Miss, all the poison has been cleared from your body. With some rest and recuperation, you'll recover in no time," Zheng Lin said, taking her pulse. When he confirmed the poison had been purged, he immediately knew that the Young Master had visited her. It seemed that the Young Master still cared for her.
"Thank you," Elora smiled weakly at him.
"You should thank the Young Master," Zheng Lin replied.
Elora paused at his words. Him? Wasn't he the one who wanted to kill her? How could he have saved her? Even if he had, it was likely due to his so-called sense of righteousness as a member of the esteemed order. Elora gave a bitter, self-deprecating smile. Perhaps it was best not to dwell on him here.
...
"Young Master." Yuhe entered the study with a letter, bowing before Gu Han and presenting it to him. "This letter is from the young lady."
Gu Han nodded but made no move to take the letter. "Leave."
"Yes." Yuhe placed the letter on the desk and exited quietly.
After a long pause, Gu Han finally picked up the letter. Her handwriting was bold yet carried an unmistakable air of defiance, much like the woman herself. The letter contained only four words—We shall never meet again.
Perhaps it was best this way... Never to cross paths again...
...
Elora had intended to return to Nebula Sect, but after a moment's reflection, she reconsidered. Now that she was the top courtesan at Cuiyan Tower, disappearing without a trace would surely raise Raven Skylar's suspicions. It would be wiser to remain there temporarily and leave when the right opportunity arose.
"Yuelan?" As Elora entered Cuiyan Tower, Cui Juan stormed out, her face flushed with anger. "Where have you been?"
"I... I..." Elora's brow furrowed, tears instantly welling in her eyes. Her injuries had not fully healed, and her movements were frail, like a delicate willow swaying in the wind, evoking a pitiable charm.
"What happened to you?" Cui Juan was frantic with worry.
"I was kidnapped... They tried to force themselves on me, but I refused. I was saved by a swordsman, and that's how I managed to escape," Elora sobbed, unable to hold back her sadness.
"Did they... take advantage of you?" Cui Juan looked at her with concern.
"No," Elora said, her expression sincere. "I was saved by a swordsman at that moment, but he had matters to attend to, so it took a few days before he was able to bring me back."
Cui Juan studied Elora's face and, seeing no sign of deceit, still looked worried. "Come with me," she urged, leading Elora into a room. Once inside, she grabbed Elora's hand.
Elora understood what Cui Juan was doing—checking for the guardian seal. She made no protest.
Cui Juan lifted her sleeve and, seeing the seal still in place, let out a relieved sigh. Her face softened with a smile. "It's good you're back. Rest up, and in a few days, I'll arrange for you to perform again."
"Thank you, Sister Cui Juan. I'll go now." Elora bowed and made her way back to her room, still weary from the poison's aftermath and the exhausting journey back.