sukiesathunchedoverherdesk，hereyesstraedfrostargattheputersforhourheofficewasdilylit，withonlytheflickergforestlightsaboveaglowofputeronitorsprovidgilationiaswellpastofficehours，andostofherlleagueshadalreadygonehothecityoutsidewasalivewiththehuoftraffidthedistantundfnightlife，butsukiewastrappedtheonotonogrdofherjob

shesigheddeeply，rubbieplesaoalleviatethethrobbgheadachethathadbeenbuildgalldayherphonebuzzedonthedesk，ahestoseeassafroherbestfriend，jack

＊jack＊:＂stitheoffieedadrk?＂

sukieuldn，thelpbutsilejackalwaysknewwhensheneededabreaksheicklytypedbackaresponse

＊sukie＊:＂youkoowelletyouatourualspot30?＂

＊jack＊:＂seeyouthere＂

sukiepowereddowerandgatheredherthgsasshesteppedoutoftheofficebuildg，shewasgreetedbytheightair，aweletrasttothestuffyoffivirothestreetswerebtlgwithpeople，aylightscastawar，vitgglowonthesurroundgssheadeherwaytothebarwheresheandjackofteound

jackwasalreadytherewhenshearrived，sittgatasalablehebackhewavedherover，awidegronhisfacejackwasthekdoffriendwhouldalwaysakeherugh，noatterhowtoughherdayhadbeenhiseasygognatureandshariterfectfoioherorereservedandtrospectivepernality

＂hey，youadeit，＂hesaidassheslidtotheseapositehi＂roughday?＂

＂roughweek，＂sukierepliedwithawearysile＂butatleastit，verthanksfstgthisi＂

jackraisedhisgssatoast＂tosurvivganotherweek＂

＂tosurvivg，＂sukieechoed，kghergssagasthis

astheychattedandughed，sukiefethestresfthedaybegiawayjack，spresencewaslikeabaoherfrazzledheytalkedabouteverythgandnothg，froworkdraastotheirfavoritetvshowsforafewhours，sukieuldfetaboutthepressurefherjobandjtenjoytheont

iastebythetitheyleftthebarthestreetshadieteddown，ayseedtobesettlgtoapeacefulsberjackwalkedhertoherapartnt，ashealwaysdid，akgsureshegothosafely

＂thanksfortonight，jack，＂sukiesaidastheyreachedherbuildg＂ireallyhis＂

＂anyti，sukieyouknowi，alwayshereforyou，＂jackreplied，givgherawarhug＂trest，okay?＂

＂iwillgoodnight，jack＂

＂goodnight，sukie＂

sukiewatchedasjackwalkedaway，feelgapangofgratitudeforhisfriendshipsheheadedsideandadehertoherapartntiasasall，odestpce，butiashersanctuaryshekickedoffhershoesandlpsedontotheuch，tootiredtoeventhkaboutgogtobed

assheythere，stargattheceilg，herddriftedbacktotheversationshehadwithjackhehadawayofakgherseethgsdifferently，ofredihattherewasoretolifethanjorksherelvedtotakehisadvidstartakgoretiforherself

littledidsheknow，herlifewasabouttowayssheuldneverhaveiaged

the，sukiewokeuptotheundofherarbrgshegroanedandrolledover，retlydragggherselfoutofbedtheweekendhadarrived，butsteadoffeelgrelieved，shefeanexplicablesenseofforebodgsheshookoffthefeelgaaboutherroute，hopgahotshowerandacupofffeewouldhelpclearherhead

afterbreakfast，shedecidedtotakeawalktoclearherdthecitywasalreadybtlgwithactivity，butsukiefoundthefailiarstreetsahofherfootstepsasshewanderedailessly，shefoundherselfdrawntoasall，old－fashionedbookstoretuckedawayaietalley

curio，shesteppedihesllofoldbooksartleofpasgreetedher，creatgasenseofcalshewahroughtheaisles，runngherfrsalongthespihebooksonebook，particur，caughthereyeiasana－lookgtowithaworherverandtricategoldletterg

sukiepulledthebookfrotheshelfandope，hereyeswidengasshesawthebeautiful，hand－drawnilstrationsihebookseedtobealleofstoriesandlendsfroalong－fotteneraassheflippedthroughthepas，shefeastranseothestories，asiftheywerecallgouttoher

lostthebook，shedidn，tnoticethetipassguntivoicestartledher

＂igchoice，＂adeep，soothvoicesaidfrobehdher

sukieturoseeatall，handanstandgthere，hisdarkeyesklgwithaentheeablydressed，andtherewasanairofysteryabouthithattriguedher

＂rry，ididostartleyou，＂hesaidwithachargsile＂i，hanfenglgiuldn，thelpbutnoticeyoeeiteengrossedthatbook＂

＂i，sukie，＂shereplied，bshgslightly＂it，safasatgbookdoyouworkhere?＂

hanfenglgshookhishead＂no，jtafellowbookloverbuti，vereadthatonebeforeit，sfulloftrigugstoriesperhapsiuldshareofyfavoriteswithyouoverffee?＂

sukiehesitatedforaont，buttherewasthgabouthanfenglgthatdrewherheseednue，andhifferwasteptg＂sure，whynot?＂

theyleftthebookstoreandfoundazyearbyoversteagcupfffee，hanfenglgregaledsukiewithtalesfrothebook，hisvoicesoothandcaptivatgsukiefoundherselfhanggonhiseveryword，pletelyengrossediories

astheytalked，sukiefeanexplicableetohanfenglgiasasiftheyhadknowneachotherforuchlohanjtafewhourshehadawayofakgherfeetease，andhispresencewasf

thehoursflewby，andbeforetheyk，thesunwassettgsukierealizedshehadspeiredaywithhanfenglg，lostiionandstoriesiastheostenjoyabledayshehadhadalongti

＂thankyoufortoday，hanfenglg，＂sukiesaidastheystoodoutsidethecafé＂ihadawonderfui＂

＂thepleasurewase，sukie，＂herepliedwithawarsile＂ihopewedothisagaii＂

＂i，dlikethat，＂sukiesaid，feelgawarthherchestthatshehadalongti

astheypartedways，sukieuldn，thelpbutfeesenseofanticipationtherewasthgabouthanfenglgthaasdifferent，thgthatadeherbelieveherlifewasabouttotakeanewagturn

thatnight，sukieybed，herdragwiththoughtfhanfenglgaorieshehadsharedshefeastranpulowardshi，asenseofdestythatsheuldn，titeexplittledidsheknow，thiswasjtthebegngofaraordaryjourhaouldherlifeforever

sukieawoketotheundofratappilyagastherdowthecitywascloakedagrayist，thestreetsbelowslickwithrawatershestretched，feelgapleasantaherclesfrotheprevioday，suedadvehhanfenglgasshesatup，herdrepyedtheirversations，thewarthofhissile，andthedeep，agicalityofhisvoice

withasigh，shegotoutofbedahroughherroutesheuldn，tshakethefeelgthatthgontowasabouttohappen，butshetriedhthethoughtasideafterall，ithadjtbeenonedaybuhatadayithadbeen

afterbreakfast，sukiedecidedtovisitthebookstathgaboutthatpcehadcaptivatedher，aastranpulsiournshegrabbedherubrendsteppedouttothedrizzly，theoirrefreshgagasthersk

thebookstorewasjtasshereberedit，azyhavenfilledwiththefstofoldbooksshewahroughtheaisles，herfrsgrazgthespihevosassheadeherwaytothesewhereshehadfoundtheaotohersurprise，thebookwasgone

＂lookgforthgspecific?＂afailiarvoiceasked

sukieturoseehanfenglgstandgthere，holdgtheverybookshehadbeenseargforhissilewaswar，andhiseyesseedtosparklewithhiddenknowled

＂you，reback，＂shesaid，herheartfttergatthesightofhi

＂ihadafeelgyouightreturn，＂hereplied，handihebook＂isavedthisforyou＂

sukietookthebook，feelgastransenseofdéjàvuasshehelditherhands＂thankyou，hanfenglgidon，tknowwhy，butthisbookfeelsiportant＂

＂itis，＂hesaid，histonesuddenlyserio＂there，sthgyouoknow，sukiethisbookisorethanjtalleofstoriesit，sakeytoanotherworld＂

sukiefrowned，notsureifhewasjokg＂anotherworld?whatdoyouan?＂

hanfenglglookedaround，ensurgtheywerealohisightundcrazy，butthestoriesthisbookarereaheydescribeaworldthatexistsparalleoourownaworldyouaredestiovisit＂

sukiefeachillrundownherspe＂you，reserio，aren，tyou?＂

henodded＂iaandibelieveyourjourneybegstoday＂

beforesukieuldrespond，therooaroundherbegantobrshefeastraion，asifthegroundwasshiftihherfeethanfenglgreachedout，takgherhandhis

＂don，tbeafraid，＂hesaidftly＂i，withyou＂

theworldaroundthedislvedtoaswirloflorsandlight，andsukiefeherselfbegpulledtoavortexshegtohanfenglg，shand，herheartpoundgherchestthesensationwasdirientg，andsheclosedhereyes，trygtosteadyherself

whentheworldfallycabatofoc，theywerenolohebookstoresukiefoundherselfstandgash，verdantforest，theairfilledwiththesweetstofflowersandtheundofbirdngsunlightfieredthroughtheopyabove，castgdappledpatternntheforestfloor

sukielookedaroundiakgthebeautyoftheirsurroundgs＂wherearewe?＂

＂we，vecrossedtotheworldofthebook，＂hanfenglgreplied＂weletothekgdooflian＂

sukiefeaixofexcitentandtrepidation＂whyaihere?whatisypurpose?＂

hanfenglgseezedherhandreassurgly＂allwillberevealedtifornow，wetfiertherearedanrsthisworldthaetavoid＂

astheywalkedthroughtheforest，sukieuldn，thelpbutarvetthevividlorsandthevibrantlifearouwasasifshehadsteppedtoadreayet，therealityoftheirsituationicklysetiheyheardthedistantundofhooves

＂ick，hide！＂hanfenglgwhisperedurntly，pullgsukiebehdartree

theycrouchedtheunderbrh，peergthroughtheleavesasagroupofhorsethenweredresseddark，nagaror，theirfacebscuredbyhessukiefeherheartraceasshewatchedthegoby，sensgthedaheyrepresented

＂whoarethey?＂shewhisperedoheyhadpassed

＂antfthedarklord，＂hanfenglgrepliedgrily＂theypatrohesends，seargforthosewhoopposetheirasterwetbecareful＂

sukienodded，feelgasurofdeterationwhateverherpurposethisworld，sheknewshehadtostaystrongtheytiheirjourney，ovgswiftlyandsilentlythroughtheforest

astheywalked，hanfenglxpedoreaboutthekgdooflianiasandrihistoryandagic，butiasalapceofflictthedarklord，apowerfulrcerer，hadseizedtrolofthekgdoandptodarknessanyofthekgdo，shabitantshadbeenensvedorforcedtoflee

＂oalistofdtheresistance，＂hanfenglgsaid＂therearestilhosewhofightagastthedarklordtheywillhelp＂

afterhourfwalkg，theyfallyreachedasall，hiddenvilledavalleythevilrsgreetedhanfenglgwarly，andsukieuldseetherespedadirationtheyheldforhiiasclearthatheortantfigurethisworld

＂thisissukie，＂hanfenglgtroducedhertothevilleader，anelderlywoanwithkdeyes＂sheiournd，butshehasacrucialroleyourstruggle＂

theleadernodded，hergazepeg＂wele，sukieyouareaongfriendshere＂

sukiefeasenseofreliefwashoverherforthefirsttiscearrivgthisstranworld，shefesafethevilrsprovidedthewithfoodandapcetorest，andsukiefallyhadaontrocesseverythgthathadhappened

assheyonasipleasallhut，herdracedwithestionswhyhadshebeenbroughthere?whaasherrolethisworld?andostiportantly，whaasheretohanfenglg?

shethoughtbacktotheirfirstetgthebookstore，thewayhehadlookedatherasifhehadknownherforevertherewasanundeniableboweenthe，ohattraheboundarieftiandspacebuhatdiditallan?

the，sukiewokeearly，eartolearnoreabouthernewsurroundgshanfenglgwasalreadyup，speakgwiththevilleaderwhenhesawher，hesiledandwavedherover

＂wehaveuchtodotoday，＂hesaid＂thereisalotyouolearnaboutthisworldandyourpit＂

sukienodded，deterioebraceherdesty＂i，ready＂

theysperagwiththevilrs，learngaboutthehistoryandagifthekgdooflianhanfenglgtaughtherhowtodefendherself，showihebasicfswordsanshipandarcherysukiewasaicklearner，hernaturagilityaeratiherwell

asthedayspassed，sukieandhanfenglggrewclosertheyspenthourstalkg，shargstoriesanddreassukiefeadeepetohi，ohatgrewstroheachpassgdayshefoundherselflookgforwardtotheirtitother，cherishveryont

oneeveng，astheysatbythefire，hanfenglgopenedupabouthispasthetoldherabouthisfaily，hischildhood，andhisesttodefeatthedarklordsukielistenedily，feelgaprofoundrespectforhisceaeration

＂i，velostanyfriendsandlovedohisbattle，＂hesaidietly，hiseyesreflegtheflickergfs＂butiotgiveupitfightforthosewhootfightfortheselves＂

sukiereachedout，pgahandonhisar＂you，renotalone，hanfenglgi，llfighithyou＂

helookedather，hisexpressionfteng＂thankyou，sukieyourstrengthandspiritspiretother，weakeadifference＂

theirbonddeepened，andsukiefoundherselffallgforhanfenglghiskdness，bravery，andunwaverierationcaptivatedherheartshekhattheirjourneywouldbefraughithdanr，butshewaswillgtofaceitallforhi

onenight，astheystooduhestars，hanfenglgtookherhandhis＂sukie，there，sthgiotellyou＂

shelookedupathi，herheartpoundg＂whatisit?＂

hetookadeepbreath，hiseyesfilledwithiy＂iloveyou，sukiefrotheontisawyouthebookstore，iknewyouwerespecialyuidglight，yhopeiageylifewithoutyou＂

sukie，sheartswelledwitheotionshehadloohearthosewords，butheargthenow，shefeaixtureofjoyandfear＂iloveyoutoo，hanfenglgbuhatifthghappensto?whatifwetseparated?＂

hecuppedherfahishands，histoutleandreassurg＂noatterpens，iwillwaysfdywaybacktoyouourloveisstrohananyforthisworld＂

tearsfilledsukie，seyesassheleaohistouch＂proisewe，llwaysbetother＂

＂iproise，＂hewhispered，pressghislipstohersatender，heartfekiss

their

loveblosdtheidstofturoil，abeaofhopeaworldshroudeddarkother，theyfacedtlesschalleheirbondgrogstroheachvictoryabacktheyfoughtsidebyside，deterilightbacktothekgdooflian

astheypreparedforthefalbattleagastthedarklord，sukiekhattheirjourneywasfarfrooverbuithhanfenglgbyherside，shefereadytofacewhatevercatheirwaytheirloveowerfulforce，ohaouldguidethethroughthedarkestoftis

and，withheartsfullofdlove，sukieandhanfenglgsteppedtotheunknowoebracetheirdestyaurefilledwithhopeandpossibility

sukieawoketotheftchirpgofbirdsandthefirstlightofdawnfiergthroughthesalldowofthehutshestretched，savthetranilityoftheonttheeventfthepastfewdaysstillfesurreal，butthesteadypresenceofhanfenglghadgroundedheraidstthewhirldof

asshedressedandpreparedfortheday，sukieuldn，tshakethefeelgthatthgsignifiasabouttohappentheairseedchardwithanticipation，ahevilrsovedwithasenseofpurposeandurncyshesteppedoutside，takgadeepbreathofthecrispair，andadeherwaytothetraggroundswherehanfenglgwasalreadywaitg

＂good，sukie，＂hegreetedherwithawarsile，hiseyesklgattheers＂readyforanotherdayoftrag?＂

sukiereturnedhissile，herheartfttergatthesightofhi＂alwayswhatdoyouhavepnnedfortoday?＂

＂today，wefohongyicabilities，＂hesaid，histoneserio＂you，veshowpotential，butthere，sstilluchtolearnthedarklord，sionsarepowerful，andweneedeveryadvantawet＂

sukienodded，deteratiochedonherface＂i，readylet，sdothis＂

theyspentthepractigvariospellsandtations，hanfenglgpatientlyguidgsukiethrougheachstepshefethepowerflogthroughher，atgliionthatadeherfeeliveaedtotheworldarouheoreshepracticed，theorefidentshebecaherabilities

＂you，redoi，sukie，＂hanfenglgsaid，hisvoicefilledwithpride＂you，reanatural＂

sukiebshedathispraise＂thanks，hanfenglgiuldn，thavedowithoutyou＂

asthedayworeoookabreaktorestandhavenchtheysatuheshadeetree，shargasiplealofbreadandcheesesukieleanedagastthetrunk，feelgtheroughbarkagastherbackasshelookedupatthesky

＂telloreaboutyourworld，＂hanfenglgsaidsuddenly，breakiablesilence＂whaasyourlifelikebeforeyoucahere?＂

sukiethoughtforaont，herddriftgbacktoherlifeiy＂iasordary，isupposeiworkedao－fivejob，spentostofytifrontofaputersihadfriends，butialwaysfelikethgwasissglikeiwasantforthgore＂

hanfenglglistenedily，hisgazeneverleavgherface＂andnowthatyou，rehere，doyoufeellikeyou，vefoundwhatyouwerelookgfor?＂

sukiesiled，reagouttotakehishand＂yesifeellikeifallybelongwhereandit，sallbecaeofyou＂

hanfenglg，sexpressionftened，andheseezedherhaly＂i，gdyoufeehaay，sukieyouanalottotoo＂

theirtenderonasterruptedbytheundofapproagfootstepssukieandhanfenglgturoseethevilleaderhurrygtowardsthe，herexpressiongrave

＂hanfenglg，sukie，＂shecalledout＂there，sbeenanattaoneofouroutpostsweneedyourhelp＂

hanfenglgstoodup，hisdeanorstantlyshiftgtothatofaleader＂we，reonourway＂

sukiefollowedhi，herheartpoundgwithaixoffearaerationtheyicklygatheredtheironsaofftowardstheoutpost，thevilrswordfeandsupportastheypassed

thejourneywasteheairthickwithanticipationastheyapproachedtheoutpost，theyuldseesokerisgiahesightfilledsukiewithasenseendsheiedherpace，hanfenglgrightbesideher

whentheyarrived，thesewaneofchaostheoutposthadbeenoverrunbythedarklord，sforces，thedefendersfightgvaliantlybutclearlyoutnuberedhanfenglgidiatelysprangtoa，hisswordfshgasheeheeneysukiedrewherownoragkigasshejoihefray

thebattlewasteheundfgsteendcriefpafillgtheairsukiefoughitheverythgshehad，hernewfoundskillsandagicabilitiesgiviheedsheneededsheuldfeeheadrenalihroughherves，hersensesheightenedassheovedwithprecisionandgrace

aidstthechaos，sukiespottedayoungboycbehdabarricade，hiseyeswidewithfearwithouthesitation，shefoughtherwaytohi，gheragictoshieldthefrotheeney，sattacks

＂areyouokay?＂sheasked，hervoitledespitetheurncyofthesituation

theboyearsstreagdownhisface＂i，scared＂

sukiereachedout，pgareassurghandonhisshoulder＂it，sgogtobeokaystaycloseto＂

withtheboysafelybyherside，sukietiofight，herdeterationunwavergsheuldseehanfenglgnearby，hisoventsfidandpowerfushecutthroughtheeneyrankstheireyestbriefly，andsukiefeasurthfrohisunwavergsupport

fally，afterwhatfelikehours，thetideofthebattlebegantoturnthedefendersralliedtother，phgbacktheeneyforceswithrenewedvigorhanfenglihechar，hispresenspirgthosearoundhisukiefoughtbyhisside，theiroventsperfectlysyheyworkedtothertodrivetheeneyaway

wheofthedarklord，sionshadbeeed，acheerwentupfrothedefeheoutposthadbeensaved，butthesthadbeenhighanyywoundedordead，andthevilleaderovedicklytanizeaidforthejured

hanfenglgandsukietookaonttocatchtheirbreath，leangoneachotherforsupporttheboytheyhadsavedranuptothe，hiseyesfilledwithgratitude

＂thankyou，＂hesaid，hisvoicetreblgwitheotion＂yoavedylife＂

sukiesiled，rufflghishairntly＂we，rejtgdyou，resafe＂

astheboyranofftojohisfaily，hanfenglgturosukie，hisexpressionfilledwithpride＂youwerecredibleoutthere，sukieiknewyouhadityou＂

sukiebshed，feelgaixofprideandhuility＂iuldn，thavedowithoutyou，hanfenglgwe，reatea＂

hepulledhertoatightebrace，holdgherclose＂yes，weareandtother，weovereanythg＂

theirbonddeepenedevenfurtherierathofthebattle，thesharedexperienunbreakableebeeeheyspentthefewdayshelpgtorebuildtheoutpost，walongsidethevilrstorestorewhathadbeenlost

oneeveng，astheysatbythefire，hanfenglgtooksukie，shandhis，hisexpressionserio＂sukie，there，sthgiotellyou＂

sukielookedathi，herheartpoundg＂whatisit?＂

hanfenglgtookadeepbreath，hiseyessearghers＂i，vebeenkeepgthgfroyouthereaniwasthebookstorethatday，thereashtyouhereiasn，tbyceiknewyouweredestiopyacrucialrolehtagastthedarklordyou，renotjtanordarypern，sukieyouhaveauniepowerwithyou，ohatthefateofthisworld＂

sukiefearhofeotions:fion，fear，andasenseofresponsibility＂whydidn，tyoutelloner?＂

＂irotectyou，＂hanfenglgsaid，hisvoicefilledwithsiy＂ididn，anttooverwhelyouwiththetruthbeforeyouwerereadybutnow，ibelieveyou，rereadytoebraceyourdesty＂

sukietookadeepbreath，herdragwiththeiplicationfhiswordsshehadalwaysfedifferent，likeshewasantforthgorenow，italladesense

＂whatdoiodo?＂sheasked，hervoicesteady

hanfenglg，seyesshohadirationandlove＂weoharnessyourpower，trayoutotrolitwithyourabilities，wefallydefeatthedarklordandbriothekgdooflian＂

sukienodded，deteratiherheart＂i，lldowhateverittakes＂

and，theirjourued，filledwithchallensandtriuphs，heartbreakandjoysukieandhanfenglgfacedeachobstacletother，theirloveandtrteachotherunwavergwitheachpassgday，sukiegrewstronr，herpowersdevelopgwaysshehadneveriaged

astheypreparedfortheuiatefrontationwiththedarklord，sukiekhattheirlovewastheirgreateststrengthtother，theywereunspableandwithhanfenglgbyherside，shewasreadytofacewhateverdestyhadstoreforthe

theirbonddeepenedfurther，eaenttotheratestanttotheirunwavergitnttheysharedtheirhopesanddreas，theirfearsandsecurities，fdgeachother，sebracetheirlovewasabeaoflightthedarkness，guidihroughthetoughestoftis

astheystoodontheprecipiceofthefalbattle，sukiefeasenseofpeaoatterpened，shekhatsheandhanfenglgwereanttobetothertheirlovewasaforcethattraiandspace，abondthatuldneverbebroken

and，withheartsfullofloveaeration，sukieandhanfenglgsteppedforward，readytofacetheirdestyaurefilledwithhopeandpossibility

thesuncastagoldenglowoverthevilassukieandhanfenglgpreparedfortheday，sjourheyhadreceivedwordthatthedarklord，sforcesweregatherganearbyregion，andtheyosuttheareaandgathertellihevilrswatchedthewithaixofadirationand，theirhopesrestgontheshoulderfthebraveduo

astheysetout，theairwasfilledwiththestofbloogflowersandtheundofrtlgleavessukiewalkedbesidehanfenglg，herheartbeatgwithaixtureofexcitentandtrepidationsheghi，hisstrongprofileoutledagastthelight，aasurofgratitudeforhisunwavergpresence

＂areyoureadyforthis?＂hanfenglgasked，hisvoicefilledwithrelve

sukienodded，hereyesetghis＂asreadyasi，lleverbewithyoubyyside，ifeellikeifaythg＂

hesiled，reagouttotakeherhand＂we，lthroughthistother，sukiewealwaysdo＂

theirjourookthethroughdenseforestsandacrossrockyterra，thendscapeggastheyventureddeeperiorythefurthertheywent，theoretheatosphereshifted，begdarkerandoreforebodgthetreesseedtoclosearouheirbranchesreagoutlikeskeletalfrs

astheywalked，sukieuldn，tshakethefeelgthattheywerebegwatchedshegncedoverhershoulder，buttherewasnothgtherejtthewhisperofthedaantcallfunseeures

＂hanfenglg，＂shesaidftly，hervoidwithunease＂doyoufeehat?likewe，rebegfollowed?＂

hefrowned，hiseyessgthesurroundgs＂yes，isetooweobecautio＂

theytuedonward，theirsensesheightened，everyundandoventputtgtheohetensioweenthealpable，asilentuandgpassiweehattheyostayvigt

astheynearedaclearg，sukieheardartlgthebhesshetensed，herhandovgtothehiofherswordhanfenglgpcedareassurghandonhershoulder，histouchgroundgher

＂stayclose，＂hewhispered，hisvoicebarelyaudible

theyovedforward，gclosertotheurceoftheundsuddenly，afigureburstfrotheunderbrh，stublgandfallgattheirfeetiasayounggirl，herclothestornanddirty，herfacestreakedwithtears

＂help，please，＂shebegd，hervoicetreblgwithfear＂they，reg＂

sukiekbesidethegirl，herheartagatthesightofherdistress＂whoareyou?what，shappeng?＂

thegirllookedup，hereyeswidewithterror＂ynaisithedarklord，sldiersattackedetheytookyfailyiaoescape，butthey，restilloutthere，seargfor＂

hanfenglg，sexpressiondarkened，andhehelpedthegiroherfeet＂wewoheharyou，iyou，resafewith＂

jtashespoke，agroupofldierserdfrothetrees，theirargnaglythesunlighttheysurrouhe，theironsdrawn

＂hahegirl，＂theleaderoftheldiersdeanded，hisvoiceldandauthoritative＂shebelongstothedarklordnow＂

hanfenglgsteppedforward，hisstaective＂you，llhavetotthroughfirst＂

theleadersneered，raisghissword＂beit＂

thebattlethatensuedwasfierdchaoticsukiefoughithallheright，hertragandagicabilitiesgtotheforesheovedwithgradprecision，herswordfshgassheparriedandstruckhanfenglgwasawhirldofpowerbesideher，hisoventsfidanddeadly

iwatchedaweandfear，herheartpoundgasthefightradaroundhersheuldseethedeterationsukie，seyes，thestrengthhanfenglg，soventstheywereunlikeanyoneshehadeverseen，aaglirofhopeforthefirsttisiheattahervil

fally，afterwhatfelikeay，thestoftheldiersfellsukieandhanfenglgstoodpantg，theirbodiesbruisedandbloodiedbutvictorioirantothe，tearsstreagdownherface

＂thankyou，＂shebbed，ggtosukie＂thankyouforsavg＂

sukiehugdhertightly，herheartbreakgfortheyounggirl＂you，resafenow，iwe，llprotectyou＂

hanfenglglookedaround，hisexpressiongri＂weoovethereuldbeoreldiersnearby＂

theytiheirjourney，iwalkiweensukieandhanfenglg，hersallhandgrippgsukie，stightlyastheytraveled，itoldtheoreabouttheattahervil，hervoicetreblgwitheotionsukielistenedily，herheartagforthesuffergihadendured

＂don，orry，i，＂sukiesaidntly＂we，llfdyourfailywe，lldoeverythiohelpyou＂

ilookedupather，hopeshghereyes＂thankyou，sukieidon，tknowwhatiwouldhavedohoutyou＂

astheyadetheirwaydeeperiory，sukieuldn，tshakethefeelgofuhatlredsheghanfenglg，whoseedlostthought

＂hanfenglg，＂shesaidftly，hervoicebreakgthesilence＂whatareyouthkg?＂

helookedather，hiseyesfilledwithaixofeotions＂i，worried，sukiethedarklord，sforcesaregrogstronrweobecarefularteachotherpletely＂

sukienodded，herheartswellgwithdeteration＂itrtyou，hanfenglgorethananyoneandikhistother＂

hesiled，hisexpressionfteng＂itrtyoutoo，sukieandwithyoubyyside，ifeellikewefaythg＂

theypressedon，theirbondstrengthengwitheachstepastheytraveled，theyenterednfthedarklord，sfence:vilsburotheground，failiestornapart，achedtothefacefthosetheytsukie，srelvegrewstroheaewhorrortheywitnessed，herdeteratiothedarklordunwaverg

oneeveng，astheysetupcap，sukieandhanfenglgsatbythefire，iledbeeehewarthofthefsandtheietofthenightprovidedaontofrespitefrotheirarduojourney

＂sukie，＂hanfenglgsaid，hisvoicebreakgthesilehere，sthgi，vebeenangtotellyou＂

sukielookedathi，herheartpoundg＂whatisit?＂

hetookadeepbreath，hiseyesfilledwithiy＂iknowwe，vebeenthroughalottother，andidon，anttoaddtotheburdenyou，recarrygbuteedyoutoknowhowueantoiloveyou，sukieorethanwordsexpress＂

sukie，sheartswelledwitheotion，tearsfillghereyes＂iloveyoutoo，hanfenglgwithallyheart＂

hereachedout，takgherhandhis＂noatterpens，wewillwaysbetotherourloveiurstrength，andiillguidethroughthedarkestoftis＂

iwatchedthe，asallsilepygonherlipsforthefirsttialongti，shefeasenseofpeadhopeshekhaithsukieandhanfenglgbyherside，shewassafe

astheysatbythefire，shargtheirhopesandfears，theirbondgrewevenstroheywerenolonrjtopeoplebroughttotherbyfate；theywereatea，afailyandtheywerereadytofacewhateverchallensyahead

the，theysetoutonceore，theirheartsfilledwithdeterationandlovetheytiheirjourney，gathergrationandaidgthoseneedalongtheway，theyenteredoreallies，peoplewhosharedtheirgoalofdefeatgthedarklordapeacetothekgdooflian

oneday，astheyapproachedasallvil，theyweretbyagroupofvilrswhohadheardoftheirexploitsthevilleader，anelderlyanwithakdface，steppedfreetthe

＂wele，heroes，＂hesaid，hisvoicefilledwithgratitude＂wehaveheardofyourbraveryandyhtagastthedarklordwearehoohaveyouhere＂

sukieandhanfenglxdagnce，hubledbythevilrs，words＂thankyou，＂sukiesaid，hervoicere＂wearejtdogwhaetohelp＂

thevilleadernodded，hiseyesfilledwithrespect＂youreffortsahanyouknowplease，staywithforawhilerestandreverwewillprovideyouwithanythgyouneed＂

sukieandhanfenglggratefullyaeptedtheoffer，andtheywereshowntoasall，fortablehoewheretheyuldstaythevilrswerekdandwelg，thefoodandsupplies

astheysettled，sukieuldn，thelpbutfeesenseofuhedarklord，sforceswererelentless，atheirrespitewouldbeshort－livedbutfornow，shewasgratefulfortheontofpeace

thateveng，astheysatbythefire，sukieandhanfenglgtalkedabouttheirjourneyandtheirpnsforthefutureilistenedily，hereyeswidewithadiration

＂wewilldefeatthedarklord，＂hanfenglgsaid，hisvoicefilledwithvi＂andwewillrestorepeacetothisnd＂

sukienodded，herheartswellgwithdeteration

thedawnofanewdaybroughtasenseofcalandhopetothesallvilwheresukie，hanfenglg，andihadfethevilrshadbeencrediblykd，food，sheer，andabriefrespitefrotheirarduojourneyyet，theshadowofthedarklrogpowerloodoverthe，andsukiekheirtiofpeacewasfleetg

asthefirstlightoffieredthroughthedow，sukiestretchedandgotoutofbed，feelgasenseofdeterationtodaywasthedaytheywouldgatheroretellinthedarklord’spnsandfurthertheirissiontosavethekgdooflianshedressedicklyandietly，noantgtowakei，whowasstillundasleep

steppgoutside，sukietookadeepbreathofthecrispair，savtheontarytranilitythevilwasgtolife，withvilrsbegngtheirdailyroutes，unawareofthedanrofathergonthehorizon

hanfenglgwasalreadyup，sharpenghisswordbythefirehelookedupassukieapproached，hisfacebreakgtoawarsilethatadeherheartftter

“good，”hegreetedher，hisvoicefilledwithwarth

“good，”sukiereplied，returnghissile“didyoleeell?”

hanfenglghoughhiseyesheldahtofwearess“aswelisliketheseareyoureadyfortoday?”

sukie’sexpressiongrewserio“yes，iaweofdouhatthedarklordispnngandshibeforeit’stoote”

hanfenglgreachedout，takgherhandhis“we’lldoittother，sukienoatterwhat，we’llfaceittother”

theirtenderonasterruptedbytheundofhurriedfootstepstheyturoseethevilleader，theelderlyanwhohadweledthe，approagwithalookof

“hanfenglg，sukie，”hecalledout，hisvoiceurnt“there’sthgyouosee”

theyfollowedthevilleadertotheoutskirtfthevil，whereagroupofvilrshadgatheredaroundafigurelygonthegroundastheyphedthroughthecrowd，sukie’sbreathcaughtihroatthefigurewasaldier，badlyjuredandbarelyscio

“hestubledtothevihis，”thevilleaderexped“hekeptaskgforyou”

hanfenglgkbesidetheldier，hisexpressiongri“peoyou?whodidthis?”

theldierughed，hisvoiceweak“thedarklord…he’spnnganattackhehasaneon，thgpowerfulyouhavetoshi…beforeit’stoote”

sukie’sheartraced“whereishepnngtoattack?”

theldier’seyesflickered，hisstrengthfadg“thecapital…hewantstotakethecapital”

withthosewords，theldier’seyesclosed，astillhanfenglgstood，hisjawsetieratiotothecapitalifthedarklordtakesit，theentirekgdowillfall”

sukienodded，herrelveunwaverg“thenwehavenotitowasteweogatherouralliesaothecapitalidiately”

thevilrs，overheargtheversatiooururaongsttheselvesfearanduatyrippledthroughthecrowd，buttherewasalasenseofdeterationthevilleadersteppedforward，hisvoicesteady

“wewillhelpyouanywayweeaybesall，buehavebravenandwonwillgtofightforthekgdo”

touchedbytheiroffer，sukieandhanfenglgthahevilrsandbeganakgpreparationsforthejourneyaheadi，sensgthegravityofthesituation，approachedsukie，hereyeswidewithdeteration

“iwanttohelp，”shesaidfirly“i’notafraidiwanttofightforyfailyandforeveryoneelsewhohassuffered”

sukiekdown，pgahandoni’sshoulder“you’reverybrave，iwe’llneedalheheletbutreber，yoursafetyistheostiportantthgstaycloseto，andwe’lthroughthistother”

astheysetoutforthecapital，asenseencypropelledtheforwardthejourneywaslongandarduo，buttheirdeterationneverwaveredalongtheway，theyenteredroupfvilrsandrebelswhojoiheircae，swellgtheirranksandbolstergtheirspirits

onenight，astheycapedbyariver，sukieandhanfenglgsatbythefire，theirhandsiwiheflickergfscastawarglowontheirfaces，andforaont，theyallowedtheselvestorexandenjoyeachother’spany

“doyoueverwonderwhatlifewillbelikeafteralhisiver?”sukieaskedftly，hereyesreflegthefirelight

hanfenglglookedather，hisexpressiontender“idoidreaofaworldwherewelivepeace，withoutfearordarknessaworldwherewebuildafuturetother”

sukie’sheartswelledwithlove“idreaofthattooandibelieveweakeitareality”

hanfenglgleaned，pressilekisstoherlips“withyoubyyside，iknowwe”

theirontofpeacewasshatteredbytheundofrtlgthebhesstantlyalert，hanfenglgdrewhissword，andsukiereadiedheragicafigureerdfrotheshadows，andtheywerebothrelievedtoseeiaheirsuts

“we’vespottedagroupofthedarklord’sldiersnearby，”thesutreported“theyseetobesettgupanabh”

hanfenglg’sexpressionhardened“weodealwiththebeforetheyattackgatherourfordprepareforbattle”

thecapsprangtoa，theairfilledwiththeundfpreparationsastheyovedthroughthedarkness，sukiefeasenseofunityandpurposetheywerenotjtfightgfortheselvesbutforeveryonewhohadsuffereduhedarklord’styranny

theabhwasswiftandbrutalsukieandhanfenglihechar，theiroventsperfectlysyheyfoughtsidebysidethedarklord’sldierswerecaughtoffguard，aleicklyturheirfavor

theidstofthefight，sukiespottedafailiarfacetheleaderoftheldierswasherthantheanwhohadattackedtheiroutpostandtakeni’sfailyasurofanraerationfilledher，andshefoughtherwaytowardshi

“you！”sheshouted，hervoicefilledwithfury“you’regawaythisti！”

theleadersneered，raisghisswordtoetherattack“you’reafooothkyoudefeat”

theirswordscshed，thesgthroughthenightsukiefoughitheverythgshehad，heranraerationfuelirengthhanfenglg，seeiruggle，ovedtosupporther，hispresencegivihefidencesheneeded

tother，theyoverpoweredtheleader，theirbirengthtooutohahafal，powerfulstrike，sukiedisardhi，herswordathisthroat

“tellwherei’sfailyis，”shedeanded，hervoicesteady

theleadergredather，buttherewasfearhiseyes“they’rebegheldthedarklord’sfortressyou’llneverreachtheti”

sukie’sgriptightenedonhersword“we’llseeaboutthat”

withtheleadersubdued，therestoftheldiersicklysurrehebattlewaswon，butsukiekheirjourneywasfarfroovertheyhadtoreachthecapitandsthedarklord’sattadtheyhadtorescuei’sfailyfrothefortress

astheyregrouped，hanfenglgpcedareassurghandonsukie’sshoulder“we’llsavethe，sukieiproise”

shelookedtohiseyes，herrelvestrengtheng“iknoillandwe’llsthedarklordondforall”

theirjourued，eachstepbrggtheclosertotheirgoahechalleheyfacedweredauntg，buttheirloveaeratioheovgforwardastheyhecapital，theyuldseethesignftheipendgattack:ldierspatrolliskirts，fortificationsbeied，aensiontheairpalpable

oneeveng，astheycapedwithsightofthecapital’swalls，sukieandhanfenglgsattother，theirheartsheavywiththeweightofthetaskaheadi，sensgtheirubesidethe，hersallhandslippgtosukie’s

“we’regogtowiwe?”iasked，hervoicefilledwithhope

sukiesiled，herheartswellgwithloveforthebravegirl“yes，iwe’regogtoandwe’regogtosaveyourfaily”

hanfenglgnodded，hiseyesfilledwithdeteration“we’veethisfar，andwe’renotgivgupnowtother，we’lldefeatthedarklordandbriothekgdo”

astheypreparedforthefalbattle，theirbondgrewevenstroheykhahateverhappeheywouldfaceittothertheirloveandtrteachotherwereunbreakable，andtheywerereadytofightforthefuturetheydreadof

thenightbeforethebattle，sukieandhanfenglgstoodonahilloverlookgthecapital，thecitylightsklgthedarkheyheldeachotherclose，dragstrengthfrotheire

“we’vebeenthroughuch，”sukiewhispered，hervoicefilledwitheotion“butnoatterpenstoorrow，i’gratefulforeveryone’ve

shared”

hanfenglgkissedherforehead，hisvoider“ifeehesaway，sukieandiknowthataslongaswe’retother，wefaythg”

astheystoodthere，edeachother’sars，theykhatthefightaheadwouldbetheirgreatestchallebuttheyalkhattheirlovewastheirgreateststrengthandwiththatstrength，theywouldovereanyobstadervictorio

thedawnofthefalbattleapproached，andwithit，thefateofthekgdooflianhungthebasukieandhanfenglgwerereadytheywouldfightfortheirlove，fori’sfaily，andforthefutureoftheirworldandtheywoulddoittother

thecapitalcityoflianwasabtlghubofactivity，filledwithrts，nobles，andonersallgogabouttheirdailylivestheairwasthickwiththestofexoticspidtheundoflivelychattersukie，hanfenglg，andiadetheirwaythroughthecrowdedstreets，theirheartsheavywiththeweightoftheirissiontheyhadsuessfullygatheredtellinceaboutthedarklord’spnsandnowofdawaytoshi

sukie’sdwasragwithpossibilitiestheyhadlearhatthedarklord’sneonwasbegstoredtheheavilyguardedpacettgcloseenoughtodestroyiouldreireacleverpnandfwlessexecutionastheywalked，sukie’seyesweredrawntoagrandbuildgadorhsilkbannersandtricatecarvgsiastheostfaobrotheliy，knownforitsbeautifulurtesansaravagantperforances

apoforsukie’sdsheturohanfenglg，hereyesfilledwithdeteratiotothepadithkiknowhowifigairytothebrothendbeeoheirurtesans，iightbeabletotclosetoohaesstothepace”

hanfenglg’seyeswidened“sukie，that’scrediblydanrothebrothelisfullofspiesandrantsifyou’redisvered…”

sukiepcedareassurghandonhisar“iknowit’srisky，butit’urbestcewedon’thavetitoeuithanotherpntrt，idothis”

hanfenglglookedtohereyes，seeierationandstrengthwiththehenoddedslowly，hisvoicefilledwithrelve“alright，we’lldoitbue’llstayclose，andifanythgg，we’lyououtofthere”

sukiesiled，gratefulforhissupport“thankyouiproisei’llbecareful”

theyadetheirwaytothebrothel，andsukieapproachedtheentrahfidehedooran，aburlyanwithascarrunngdownhischeek，eyedherspicioly

“whatdoyouwant?”hegrowled

sukiestraightenedherposture，exudganairoffidendgrace“iseekeployntasaurtesani’veheardthisisthefiestablishntiy”

thedooranraisedaneyebrow，clearlytrigued“wedon’ttakejtanyoneyou’llhaveroveyourself”

sukienodded，hervoicesteady“iuandi’ready”

heledherside，whereshewastroduada，ashrewdwoanwithakeealenttheadalookedsukieupanddown，hergazepierg

“whydoyouwanttoworkhere?”sheasked，hertoical

sukiethergazewithoutflg“ihaveskillsthatuldbevaabletoyourestablishnti’fidentieayourostdisgts”

theada’seyesnarrowed，butshenodded“verywellyou’llhaveatrialperiodifyouipress，you’llstayifnot，you’reout”

sukieagreed，aragbegaelythedaysthatfollowedweregruelg，filledwithlesnsdance，idversationsukie’sdeterationneverwavered，andsheicklyprovedherselftobeafastlearheotherurtesans，itiallywaryofthenewer，begantowartoherastheysawherdedicationandskill

assheirsedherselfhernewrole，sukiekepthertrueissionattheforefrontofherdsheogairtofthebrothel’sostiias，especiallythosewithestothepaesuchaslordowerfulnobleknownforhisextravaganttastesandclosetiestotheroyalfaily

thenightofherfirstperforancearrived，andsukiefeaixtureofexcitentandnervesshedressedastunngsilkgown，herhairadorhdelicateflowersasshesteppedontothesta，theroofellsilent，alleyeheicbegan，andsukieovedgracefully，hereveryotioncaptivatgtheaudienceshedahapassionandelegahatlefteveryoneawe，herperforanceaperfectblendofbeautyandskill

aftertheperforance，lordroachedher，clearlyipressed“ynifit，”hesaid，hiseyesfilledwithadiration“i’veneverseensuchgradtalent”

sukiesiled，herheartpoundg“thankyou，ylordi’honoredbyyourpraise”

lordweitookherhand，hisgazetense“i’dliketospendtiwithyou，ifyou’rewillgihaveaprivaterooupstairs”

sukie’spulseiedthiswastheopportunityshehadbeenwaitgfor“i’dbedelighted，ylord”

theyasdedthegrandstaircase，andsukiefollowedlordweitoavishlyderatedrooastheysettledontoapshuch，lordweipouredthebothagsfe

“toyourcredibleperforance，”hetoasted，raisghisgss

sukiekedhergssagasthis，herdragwithpossibilities“thankyou，ylordit’sanhonortoeaoneasdistguishedasyourself”

theychattedforawhile，lordweiclearlyenjoygherpanysukielistenedily，subtlysteergtheversationtowardsthepadthedarklord’spnsshelearhatlordweiwasdeedwell－ectedandoftenattendedprivategathergsatthepace

astheevengprogressed，lordweigreworefortable，andsukiesawhercesheleaned，hervoiceftandvitg“ylord，i’veheardruorsaboutaneonbegdevelopedthepacedoyouknowanythgaboutit?”

lordweichuckled，clearlypleasedwithhercuriosity“ah，thedarklord’ssecretprojectyes，i’vehearditeabitit’ssupposedtobecrediblypowerful，thgthatuldtheurseofthewar”

sukie’sheartraced“thatundsfasatgdoyouthkthere’sanywayiuldseeit?”

lordweiraisedaneyebrow，triguedbyherboldness“you’reitethecurioone，aren’tyou?perhapsiuldarranthgbutiouldreireabitofpersuasion”

sukiesiled，leangcloser“i’sureweetoanarra，ylord”

thenighttihadelicatedanceofwordsandsubtlepersuasionbytheendoftheeveng，lordweiwasthhlyented，andsukiehadsecuredhisproisetotakehertothepace

thefollogdayswereabrofpreparationandanticipationsukiekepthertrueiionshidden，atagherroleasadedicatedurtesanhanfenglgandireaedclose，readyttoaifneeded

fally，thedayarriveddressedherfigown，sukieapaniedlordweitothepacethegrandhallswerefilledwithopulendsplendor，butsukie’sfocwantheissionsheolocatetheonandfdawaytodestroyit

astheywalkedthroughthepace，lordweitroducedhertovarionoblesandofficials，eateradelicatebanceofcharandgsukie’sdwasstantlyw，analyzverydetaindgathergasuforationaspossible

eventually，theyreachedaheavilyguardedchaberlordweispoketotheguards，aeppedaside，allowirysukie’sheartpouheysteppediheroowasfilledwithtricateaeryandstraifacts，theairhugwithanotherworldlyenergy

“thisisit，”lordweisaid，hisvoicefilledwithpride“thedarklord’ssecretonisn’titagnifit?”

sukienodded，hereyessgtherooforanyvulnerabilities“it’scredible，ylordbuthowdoesiork?”

lordweibegantoexp，butsukie’sattentionwaselsewhereshespottedaserieftrolsandswitches，eaeglogwithafat，eerielightsheofdawaytodisabletheonwithoutarogspi

thkgickly，sukiefeignedafatgspell，lpsgtothefloorlordweirhedtoherside，hisnue

“sukie！areyht?”heexcid，hisvoicefilledwithworry

shegroaned，hervoiceweak“i’fe，ylordithktheexcitenasjttooue”

lordweihelpedhertoherfeet，histoutle“perhapsweshouldtyoofreshair”

sukienodded，alloghitoleadheroutofthechaberastheyexited，shesubtlydroppedasall，eohetrolsitowerfurtifactshehadacireddurirag，capableofdisruptgagiergies

astheywalkedthroughthepacegardens，sukiefeasenseofreliefthestonewouldactivateaatterofutes，rendergtheonelessshejtotoutofthepacebeforeaiced

lordweitiodoteonher，obliviotohertrueiionssukiepyedherroleperfectly，herdfocedontheissionastheyreturothebrothel，shefeasuroftriuphtheyhadsueededdisablgtheon，buttheirjourneywasfarfroover

bathesafetyoftheirarters，sukiesharedthenewswithhanfenglgaheirreliefandpridewerepalpable，buttheykhefighaswonthedarklordwouldnotbeeasilydefeated，andtheroadaheadwasstillfraughithdanr

astheypheirove，sukiefeadeepsenseofdeterationtheyhadefar，andtheirbondhadonlygrownstronrwithhanfenglgandi

byherside，shekheyuldfaychallen

tother，theywouldfightfortheirlove，theirfriends，aureofthekgdoofliahaheadwasua，buttheywerereadytofaceit，handhand，theirheartsunitedbyasharedpurposeandanunbreakablebond