As the minster gestured to the soldiers, eight detached themselves from the rest, moving toward us. I started to recognize Feimao among them, the archer I had fought alongside during my first assignment with the Celestial Army. Relief flickered, abruptly doused by his grim expression.

“These soldiers will remain here,” Minister Ruibing said.

“Are we prisoners?” my mother asked coldly.

The minister’s lips curled into a smirk. “If you prefer, you can think of them as guarding your safety. These orders came directly from General Wu, and you may raise the matter with him when he arrives.”

“Where is the general?” I had thought he would be here; he would have taken pleasure in this.

The minister’s gaze flicked toward Liwei before sliding back to me. “General Wu is currently occupied with urgent matters at court.”

Undoubtedly the general was one who found much opportunity in Liwei’s predicament. A bitterness coated the inside of my mouth as the soldiers surrounded Liwei like he was a villain, instead of the finest immortal in the kingdom. I stared after them until they had gone, fighting the urge to follow, my heart clouded with fear. And despite the sunlight streaming through the windows, it had never seemed so bleak.

Chapter 9

I crept through the corridors, keeping my steps light. The soldiers were not attuned to my aura, but I masked it nonetheless. As I slipped through the entrance, I halted at the sight of Feimao standing outside. He was clad in his armor, with a bow gripped in his hand, and from memory he was an excellent marksman.

“Why are you here?” He spoke with polite indifference, as though I were a stranger.

“Enjoying the night air,” I replied steadily.

“With that?” He stared pointedly at the wooden bow slung over my shoulder.

Fortunately, I had not brought the Jade Dragon Bow, for fear of someone recognizing it. “A habit, just as yours. Why are you asking me these questions?” I met his gaze without flinching. “Minister Ruibing said you were here for our protection.”

A short pause. “I think both of us know better than to believe that.”

His frankness surprised me. “I hear much has changed in the Celestial Army since I last served there,” I said in a warmer tone. A reminder that we had fought together, once, in Xiangliu’s cavern.

Feimao nodded, standing a little easier. “There is a divide in the Celestial Army where once there was none. Past loyalties have called into question our current ones. Punishments meted out are swift and harsh, and often without proper investigation.”

His words echoed those of Shuxiao’s. “Can no one intervene?”

“No one dares to gainsay General Wu; the few who did were relieved of their positions or sent away.”

“I am sorry to hear that,” I said softly.

“I’m sorry for it too,” he replied.