Hue Qing shuddered at the mention of her mother.
Nevertheless, despite the temptation and the promise of safety, the image of Xuan BaiShe imposed itself on her mind. She recalled his nonchalant smile and the elegance with which he had treated her, unaware of the darkness she carried within her.
She shook her head with determination.
"I refuse," she declared in a firm voice. "I will always stay with Young Master Xuan. He is the only one who has treated me this way in this life."
The silhouette let out a laugh devoid of any joy.
"The Young Master Xuan?" he repeated with contempt. "Do you sincerely think that when BaiShe learns your true identity, he will continue to protect you? Do you believe that the heir of the immortal families will accept to keep by his side the monster who devoured his ally?"
Hue Qing clenched her teeth. This question touched the root of her greatest fear: being discovered and rejected by the only person who seemed to matter to her.
