While preparing, her mind whirled with memories of the past and Van's smile.
Pan: (whispering, clenching her fists) "Van, you always said I was strong. Now I'll prove you were right. You'll escape this place and find justice."
She walked to the window and slowly opened it. The cold night air swept into the room, making her shiver. Outside, the clan men's laughter and shouts filled the courtyard. Pan observed every movement, calculating the right moment to descend the lattice leading to the garden.
Pan: (with determination in her eyes) "When they're distracted… that's when I'll disappear."
She waited patiently, her heart racing, as the sound of voices grew louder. The smell of roasted meat and wine wafted into her room, confirming that everyone was in the main hall.
Pan: (whispering to herself) "It's now or never."
With one last look at the room that had been both her prison and her home for as long as she could remember, Pan began her escape.
In the Courtyard of the Hong Clan Fortress
The fortress courtyard was illuminated by torches flickering in the cold night wind. Soldiers and clan thieves gathered in groups around barrels of wine and makeshift tables, their voices echoing in loud laughter and animated chatter. At the center, beneath a large tent adorned with red and black banners, Chief Pao Hong sat on a sturdy, carved wooden chair, a tankard of wine in hand.
Beside him stood Din, attentive like a shadow.
Mr. Pao: (taking a large gulp of wine) "Din, how's Pan?"
Din: (with a slight bow) "Sir, she's still very upset."
Pao Hong let out a deep laugh, shaking his head as he observed the men around him.
Mr. Pao: (with irony) "Upset? Did she argue with you?"
Din hesitated for a moment, his yellow eyes glinting under the torchlight.
Din: (seriously) "Yes, sir."
Pao Hong burst into laughter, nearly spilling his tankard.
Mr. Pao: (with a satisfied smile) "Then she's fine! Don't you know my daughter, Din? When someone is truly sad, they don't even have the strength to raise their voice. If she argued with you, it means she's recovering."
Din forced a smile, but his expression remained thoughtful.
Din: (in agreement) "That's true, Mr. Pao."
Pao Hong leaned back in his chair, relaxing as he surveyed the activity around him.
Mr. Pao: (joking) "My Pan is as stubborn as the devil. She inherited that from her mother. God forgive me, but sometimes I think her stubbornness will drive me mad."
The two laughed briefly before Pao leaned forward, suddenly more serious.
Mr. Pao: (in a low tone) "Now tell me, Din... where is Si-U?"
Din frowned, crossing his arms as he answered.
Din: "He left the fortress three hours ago. He didn't say where he was going."
Pao Hong slammed his tankard on the table with a loud thud, drawing a few curious glances.
Mr. Pao: (irritated) "That boy is always disappearing. Din, I want you to follow him the next time he leaves. He's been far too secretive lately."
Din: (with a slight nod) "Yes, sir. I'll follow him like a shadow."
Pao Hong nodded, satisfied, and raised his tankard.
Mr. Pao: (shouting) "Now, let's drink!"
Meanwhile – In Pan's Room
In the silence of her room, Pan was kneeling by the door, panting softly. With steady hands, she finally managed to unlock the door using a thin blade hidden in her chest. The loud laughter from the courtyard assured her that everyone was distracted.
Pan: (whispering to herself) "It's now or never."
Carefully, she opened the door, her heart pounding in her chest. Each step she took felt like a thunderclap in her ears, but the sound of the celebrations helped mask her movements.
In the Forest – Night
The forest was shrouded in shadows, illuminated only by the silvery light of the moon filtering through the tree canopy. The wind whispered softly, rustling the leaves. Pan ran barefoot over the moss-covered ground, her platinum hair hidden beneath a dark scarf. Her heart pounded fiercely, but now it was with exhilaration.
She stopped to catch her breath, leaning against a tree, and gazed up at the starry sky.
Pan: (whispering, content) "I'm finally free."
She opened her clenched fists, her expression resolute.
Pan: (firmly) "Van, I'll avenge you. It all starts with that man who humiliated you."
Her voice faltered slightly as she continued.
Pan: (sadly) "He stole your hope… that day destroyed you."
Before she could go on, the sound of footsteps made her turn abruptly. From the trees emerged Si-U, Pan's tall and elegant brother. He wore a simple black tunic, and his ocean-green eyes shone with a mix of surprise and concern.
Si-U: (startled) "Pan? What are you doing here? You're supposed to be strong."
Pan stepped back, anger bubbling up again.
Pan: (angrily) "Don't tell me what to do, Si-U. The fortress is no longer my place. I've left it for good."
Si-U: (confused) "What happened? Why are you so upset?"
Pan took a deep breath, trying to organize her thoughts.
Pan: (bitterly) "Father… he ordered Chain to kill Van. He claimed it was for honor, but I discovered it was all a lie. Chain didn't catch Van in the act. It was a cold execution, Si-U."
Si-U's expression grew tense. He looked away, clearly uncomfortable with the revelation.
Si-U: (lowering his tone) "Pan… listen. I… I knew about Father's decision too."
Pan's eyes widened, and her voice came out as a cry filled with pain.
Pan: (interrupting) "You knew?! How could you agree to something like that, Si-U?"
Si-U: (nervously, trying to explain) "I… I didn't know what to do. Father was so furious, and Chain argued it was a matter of honor. I couldn't stand up to him."
Pan: (furiously) "Honor? You dare call that honor? Van didn't deserve to die over a supposed stain on our honor! He was part of our family, Si-U!"
Si-U fell silent for a moment, guilt evident on his face. He ran a hand through his dark hair, sighing deeply.
Si-U: (downcast) "I know, Pan. You're right. I was wrong not to act. I should have fought for him."