The moon hung high over the Bai estate, casting silver tendrils of light through the lattice windows of Bai Yue's chamber. She sat at her desk, staring down at an open scroll, but the words blurred together as her thoughts drifted elsewhere—toward the lingering heat of Weishan's touch, the intensity in his gaze, and the silent promises hidden beneath his carefully chosen words.
She shook her head, frustration bubbling within her. I can't afford distractions right now.
The threat lingering over her head was becoming more tangible with each passing day. First the note, then the suspicious presence near the storeroom, and now Bai Rong's pointed insinuations. Someone wanted her gone, but the question remained—who?
A sharp knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Miss Bai Yue?" Ah-Liang's voice sounded strained.
"Come in," she called, straightening her posture.
Ah-Liang entered, his expression tense. "I overheard something tonight… in the servant quarters."
Bai Yue's heartbeat quickened. "Tell me."
Ah-Liang hesitated before whispering, "They were talking about a shipment of rare herbs that arrived recently. But… they say it's not meant for the Bai estate."
Bai Yue frowned. "What do you mean?"
Ah-Liang lowered his voice even further. "The herbs were brought in through the side gate—by the second mistress's orders. But the inventory doesn't show them. It's like they don't exist."
Bai Yue's fingers curled against the table. The second mistress, always lurking behind layers of schemes, was moving pieces Bai Yue hadn't yet seen.
"Did anyone see where the herbs were taken?"
Ah-Liang shook his head. "No. But I heard one of the guards say they were sent to a guest staying in the west wing."
Bai Yue's mind raced. The west wing was reserved for honored guests, rarely occupied, yet now it seemed to be harboring something—or someone—of interest.
She stood, determination settling into her bones. "I need to see for myself."
Ah-Liang's eyes widened. "Miss Bai Yue, it's too dangerous."
Bai Yue gave him a reassuring smile, but there was steel beneath it. "Don't worry. I won't be caught."
The halls of the Bai estate were eerily silent at night, the flickering glow of lanterns casting elongated shadows along the carved walls. Bai Yue moved with practiced ease, each step calculated and silent as she made her way toward the west wing.
Her pulse pounded in her ears as she reached the outer corridors, pressing herself against the wall. From her vantage point, she could see a pair of guards stationed near the entrance, their posture stiff, their eyes scanning the darkness.
This is more than just a simple guest visit.
Just as she was about to retreat and reconsider her approach, a voice spoke from behind her.
"You're getting too bold, little one."
Bai Yue stiffened but didn't turn around. She knew that voice all too well.
Weishan.
He stepped beside her, his dark robes blending effortlessly with the shadows. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes held a knowing glint. "Do you always make a habit of sneaking around places you shouldn't be?"
Bai Yue exhaled through her nose, keeping her voice low. "I could ask you the same."
Weishan's lips curved into that infuriatingly smug smile. "I have my reasons."
She shot him a sidelong glance. "And what might those be?"
He leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her ear. "You, of course."
Bai Yue's heart stuttered at his proximity, but she forced herself to remain composed. "I don't need your help."
Weishan reached out, his fingers ghosting over her wrist before gently but firmly gripping it. "I think you do."
His possessiveness both irritated and unnerved her, but before she could argue, the sound of approaching footsteps snapped their attention back to the corridor.
Bai Yue tensed, instinctively pulling back into the shadows, and to her surprise, Weishan moved with her, his hand pressing lightly against her waist to guide her deeper into the darkness.
Her breath caught.
She could feel the warmth of his body behind her, the steady rise and fall of his chest, and the unmistakable protective hold he had over her.
"Stay quiet," he whispered, his lips dangerously close to her ear.
Bai Yue swallowed hard, her senses hyper-aware of everything—his presence, the guards just a few feet away, and the pounding of her own heart.
Moments passed in agonizing silence before the guards finally moved along. Bai Yue exhaled in relief and turned to glare at Weishan. "You're too close."
He didn't move. Instead, his gaze darkened, his fingers tightening slightly on her waist. "And yet, you haven't pushed me away."
Bai Yue cursed inwardly. He was right. She hadn't.
She stepped back, putting space between them. "I appreciate the concern, but I can take care of myself."
Weishan studied her for a moment before smirking. "I admire your confidence. Even if it's misplaced."
Bai Yue crossed her arms, glaring at him. "Are you going to help me or just stand there enjoying yourself?"
Weishan chuckled, his expression turning serious. "Let's just say… I'm invested in your survival."
Bai Yue sighed, rubbing her temples. "Then let's focus. There's something in that wing that I need to see."
Weishan's eyes flickered with intrigue. "And here I thought you were just a quiet little healer."
Bai Yue shot him a look. "Quiet doesn't mean blind."
His smile widened, but he didn't argue. "Fine. Let's take a look."
Together, they moved closer to the west wing entrance, avoiding the guards' line of sight. Bai Yue's heart hammered in her chest as she pressed against the wooden panels, listening for any sign of movement inside.
A low murmur drifted through the door, voices speaking in hushed tones.
"…the second mistress will not be pleased if this is discovered."
"We won't be caught. These herbs are for someone… important."
Bai Yue exchanged a glance with Weishan, her mind racing. Important? Whoever they were dealing with had power, and that meant danger.
Weishan motioned for her to step back, his expression unusually serious. "That's enough for tonight."
Bai Yue frowned. "But we need to know more."
Weishan's hand rested on her shoulder, his touch firm. "No, we need to stay alive."
Reluctantly, she nodded, following him back into the shadows. As they slipped away from the west wing, Bai Yue couldn't shake the feeling that she had just brushed against something far darker than she had imagined.
And with Weishan by her side, things were only bound to get more complicated.