Pan still looked at him with suspicion, but her anger began to give way to sadness.
Pan: (sad, but firm) "It doesn't matter anymore. I'm not going back there. Never again."
Si-U: (serious) "Then let me help you."
Pan: (confused) "What do you mean?"
Si-U: "I'll take you to the kingdom of New Chin. I have a friend there, someone I trust. She can give you shelter."
Pan: (skeptical) "Shelter? And then what?"
Si-U: (honest) "There, you'll have to work as a servant. It's the only way to guarantee your safety without drawing attention."
Pan hesitated. The thought of working as a servant felt humiliating, but the alternative—staying in the fortress or wandering aimlessly—was far worse.
Pan: (softly) "If it means my freedom, Si-U, I'll do it."
Si-U stepped forward, gripping her shoulders firmly, his green eyes locking onto hers.
Si-U: (with determination) "I promise I'll take care of you, Pan. No matter what happens, I'll keep you safe."
Pan: (emotional) "Thank you, brother."
They stood in silence for a moment, the sound of the wind and rustling leaves filling the night. Si-U lingered, scanning the forest around them.
Si-U: (determined) "We need to hurry. Father will realize you've escaped, and it won't take long before he sends someone after you."
Pan nodded, adjusting the scarf hiding her hair.
Pan: (with renewed courage) "I'm ready. Let's go before they catch up to us."
The two walked through the forest, their silhouettes disappearing into the darkness. Pan felt a spark of hope amidst her pain. Despite everything she had lost, she still had Si-U by her side.
The Next Day – At the Hong Clan Fortress
Pao Hong sat in his carved chair, drumming his fingers impatiently on the table. His dark beard looked more unkempt than usual, and his green eyes were narrowed with irritation. Din stood nervously beside him, while Chain observed everything from the corner with a treacherous smile.
Din: (hesitant) "Master Pao… Miss Pan has disappeared."
Pao Hong stopped drumming his fingers, and the silence that followed was almost deafening. He leaned forward, his eyes blazing with anger.
Mr. Pao: (irritated) "What?! How did she manage to leave the fortress without anyone noticing?"
Din: (lowering his head) "I… don't know, sir. She must have planned this overnight."
Pao Hong slammed his fist on the table, making the scrolls and tankards tremble.
Mr. Pao: (furious) "We can't afford any dissidence now! Pan is stubborn, but she's important to keeping the clan united."
Chain, who had been silent until then, stepped forward. His malicious smile contrasted with the seriousness of the situation.
Chain: (calm, with a sharp tone) "Don't worry, sir. I'll take care of this."
Pao Hong looked at him, his hardened expression softening slightly.
Mr. Pao: (calmer) "Chain, make sure Pan is safe. We need her. I don't want anything to happen to my daughter."
Chain: (smiling) "Of course, sir. I'll bring her back."
Din, observing the interaction, frowned. Something in Chain's tone unsettled him, but he didn't dare interrupt. When Pao Hong turned his attention to him, Din tried to ease the tension.
Din: (genuinely concerned) "I hope Miss Pan is safe… wherever she is."
Pao Hong sighed deeply, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he leaned back in his chair.
Mr. Pao: (somber) "I hope so too, Din. Pan may be a stubborn young woman, but she's my daughter. If anything happens to her, it'll be a stain on our family's honor."
Din nodded but couldn't help casting another worried glance at Chain, who seemed far too pleased with the task he had been given.
In the Corridor
As Din left the hall, he walked slowly, lost in thought. He knew Chain well enough to recognize that the "concern" he displayed for Pan was superficial.
Din: (thinking) "What is Chain planning? He's never been loyal to the clan, only to himself. If Pan falls into his hands, something terrible might happen."
Din glanced out the window, watching the clan's men training in the courtyard. He knew that Pao Hong blindly trusted Chain, but Din was beginning to realize he might have to act on his own.
Din: (whispering to himself) "Miss Pan, wherever you are, I hope you're safe. But if Chain is coming after you… I'm not sure you'll be able to escape."
In the Courtyard
Meanwhile, Chain adjusted his weapon belt as he crossed the courtyard. He knew exactly what he wanted to do. Pan's disappearance was the perfect opportunity to strengthen his position in the clan while eliminating a potential obstacle to his future plans.
Chain: (thinking, with a cynical smile) "Pan is just a spoiled child. If she 'accidentally' dies while I'm trying to bring her back, no one can blame me. The clan will be stronger without Pao Hong's sentimental weaknesses."
He mounted his horse, signaling to a few men nearby.
Chain: (loudly) "Let's go. We have a fugitive to find."
The men nodded, and the group rode off, leaving a cloud of dust behind as they exited the fortress.
Back at the Fortress – Mr. Pao and Din
Back in the hall, Pao Hong stared at the door through which Chain had left. He held a tankard of wine but didn't seem inclined to drink.
Mr. Pao: (murmuring) "Pan… you've always been a thorn in my side, but I can't lose you."
Din remained by his side, watching the chief closely.
Din: (cautious) "Sir, are you sure trusting Chain is the best course of action?"
Pao Hong raised an eyebrow, glancing at Din.
Mr. Pao: (suspicious) "What do you mean by that?"
Din: (hesitant) "I just think he may be… too ruthless. Pan is stubborn, but she's your daughter."
Pao Hong was silent for a moment before sighing.
Mr. Pao: (in a low tone) "I know Chain isn't perfect, but he's loyal… as long as it serves him. Now go, Din. I want to be alone."
Din gave a short bow and left, but the worry remained etched on his face.
In the Forest – Pan and Si-U
Meanwhile, Pan and Si-U were halfway to the kingdom of New Chin, riding silently through the forest. Pan glanced at her brother, who seemed lost in thought.
Pan: (softly) "Do you think they've realized I've escaped by now?"
Si-U: (serious) "Without a doubt. And Chain is probably already hunting you."
Pan: (clenching her fists) "Then we'll have to move faster. I'm not going back, Si-U. Even if I have to face them all."
Si-U nodded, but deep down, he knew Pan's fight was only just beginning.