The pale green hair shimmered under the moonlight.
The color, far brighter than the last time I had seen it, now seemed almost dazzlingly vibrant.
Her once shoulder-length hair now flowed all the way to her waist, carrying a faintly sweet fragrance.
Was it floral?
There was something undeniably alluring about the scent.
Her face, adorned with a subtle smile, had lost its youthful roundness, now showing traces of maturity that reminded me of someone.
No, it wasnât someone else.
âItâs her.â
The woman who had stood alone in Sichuan, holding back the demonic tide.
The last hope of the Tang Clan, who had lost her sight and drawn her final breath in my arms.
The woman before me now, Tang So-yeol, bore a striking resemblance to that memory.
The difference lay in the circumstances.
Back then, she had been frail, emaciated, and dying in agony.
Now, she stood before me, radiantly alive.
That stark contrast stirred something painful within me.
Why did it hurt?
I couldnât understand the emotions rising within me.
Tang So-yeol, beaming brightly as she looked at me, filled my vision. I asked her,
âWhat brings you here?â
I swallowed the questions I truly wanted to ask.
They werenât meant for her, even if they were about her.
Tang So-yeol, upon hearing my question, pouted her lips as if displeased.
âAfter I went through all this trouble to come here, you start with âwhyâ? Thatâs all?â
âNo, I was just curious.â
She had appeared so suddenly. How could I not be curious?
Of course, I had been forewarned.
âThe Shadow King did say heâd send her.â
He had mentioned that sheâd be coming once her preparations were complete. Iâd already known that.
But,