Shen Haoran was walking alone along a long, desolate hallway within the labyrinthine depths of the Spirit Hall palace, his slow, rhythmic footsteps echoing softly against the towering obsidian pillars.
The marble beneath his boots was polished to a mirror-like sheen, reflecting the faint, gray morning light filtering through the high, arched windows.
For the first time in as long as he could remember, he was completely by himself, and a peculiar, nagging sensation was beginning to worm its way into his consciousness.
Uncomfortable.
Yes, he was feeling incredibly, profoundly uncomfortable.
This was the first time in his entire life that he found himself walking without a single soul stationed directly beside or behind him.
Usually, no matter where his travels took him across the vast star systems, there was always someone designated to occupy his shadow.
