Night had settled over the imperial palace.
The corridors were quiet, the lanterns burning low as most of the palace servants had already retired to their quarters.
Yet in one secluded courtyard, a single chamber remained illuminated.
It was Shin Gu's courtyard.
The windows were covered, and the doors were tightly shut.
Inside, Shin Gu stood beside a small table, her expression unusually serious.
Across from her stood a mysterious figure dressed entirely in black.
A hood concealed most of the person's face.
For several moments, neither spoke.
Then the hooded man finally said,
"Are you certain?"
Shin Gu's eyes narrowed.
"I have already failed once."
Her fingers tightened around the sleeve of her robe.
"I will not fail again."
The hooded man remained silent.
Shin Gu glanced toward the closed doors before lowering her voice.
"The next step must be done carefully."
"And this time, no one can know."
The hooded figure nodded.
"When?"
"Tomorrow night."
