The night air was cool, and the stone slabs in the courtyard glimmered with dew. Just as she stepped through the moon gate, several lanterns suddenly lit up in the shadows ahead.
Ling Zhiyan stood in the middle, lantern in hand. They all wore serious expressions, their eyes fixed on her.
She faltered, instinctively wanting to retreat, but her sixth brother had already circled around behind her, blocking her escape.
"Shanshan, what are you doing up in the middle of the night? Where are you scurrying off to?"
Ling Zhiyan took a step forward and raised his lantern. Its halo of light clearly illuminated the lingering tension on her face.
"Ah? Um… Brother, I was just… Maybe I was sleepwalking…"
She let out a dry laugh, trying to bluff her way through.
She unconsciously hid her hands behind her back, clenching the hem of her cloak so tightly her nails nearly dug into her palms.
She tried to make her voice sound natural, but it still trembled slightly at the end.
