Cassian frowned. "The physician. The servants. ...Me."
She slowly looked at him. "You?"
He met her eyes. "Yes."
Lin Wan stared for several long seconds, then quietly asked, "If I tell you I want to leave... will you let me?"
The room fell silent. Cassian didn't answer. He couldn't. His silence was already enough.
Lin Wan gave a small nod. "I thought so." She turned back toward the snowy mountains. "I have nothing else to say."
Those simple words somehow struck harder than an accusation. Cassian stood motionless. He had fought countless wars, negotiated impossible alliances, and faced enemies who cursed his name, yet none of them had ever made him feel as helpless as this quiet female sitting by the window. He wanted to say something—anything—but every sentence that came to mind sounded like another command.
Finally, he spoke. "The northern border is preparing for war."
Lin Wan didn't react. "Cassian..." she said softly, "I don't care."
His golden eyes narrowed slightly.
