The dark house crackled as the fire ignited, and the air filled with the acrid scent of smoke.
Outside, swords and staffs faced off against one another. Once the barking the people had heard from the village quieted, the atmosphere became silent and stifling.
"Second Uncle." Lady Fang pushed aside the people guarding her. She took several steps forward to look at Head Shopkeeper Song outside the entrance. The firelight behind her illuminated her face in flickers; it was rapidly fading in and out of darkness. Her expression was a amalgamation of sorrow and other emotions. "Why what?"
"Why what? Is there any other possibility?" Head Shopkeeper Song said seriously. "Of course, it's for money."
Lady Fang was probably not expecting this answer. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
