Rushing sounds ruptured the silence, growing louder, the streaming wall of water looming before us—a sliver of the ocean’s crushing force. As I raised Ping’er’s pearl before me, the waters parted. We dashed through the corridor, our magic flowing forth to summon clouds to bear us to the surface, the ring of blue sky above a welcome sight.

The sun blazed down, warm and bright, beginning its descent across the heavens. As we soared through the waters, a breeze surged into my face, infused with the salt of the sea. I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply—but then an unseen force coiled fast around us, yanking us toward the shore so swiftly we tumbled upon the sands.

I rolled up, springing to my feet—the dazzling brightness of sunlight striking the white sands almost blinding me. Ice plunged down the base of my neck. No … it was not the beach that glittered so but the white-gold armor of Celestial soldiers, led by an immortal twirling a bamboo flute between his scarred fingers.

Chapter 22

Kneel before your emperor, and I might be inclined to mercy,” Wugang commanded.

My eyes flared in disbelief, taking in his pearl-encrusted headpiece, the gold dragon-shaped hairpin pinning it into place. The way the soldiers behind him bent their heads in complete subservience.

“Emperor?” Liwei repeated wrathfully. “You dare much, you fraud.”

Wugang’s smile was riddled with malice. His slender fingers lifted a yellow jade ornament by his waist, so brilliant it appeared gilded over, carved with a pair of dragons encircling the sun. Only one person carried that seal; it was death for another to take it.

“How did you get my father’s seal?” Liwei’s tone sank with dread. “What did you do to him?”

A long pause, a measured cruelty. “He’s alive, for now. He’s still of use to me, as is his court. We must retain some semblance of order. However, the guards and attendants who remained loyal to him, who attempted to fight back, did not fare so well.” Wugang shrugged. “Fortunately, their deaths sufficed to convince those more reluctant to concede.”

My stomach churned until I thought I would be sick. He spoke of killing so easily, just as he had taken Ping’er’s life with no more hesitation than crumpling a sheet of paper. While I could not honestly claim to bear any respect or affection for the Celestial Emperor, those who hurt Liwei, hurt me too. What of General Jianyun and Teacher Daoming? I assured myself they would be safe; they were high-ranking members of the court, valuable hostages. While Minyi would be safe in the kitchens. I dared not ask after them, I dared not show I cared, for he would use that against me.