Yan Mei and Ru Lan walked on each side of Lin Xu, holding her arms gently as they led her back toward her quarters. Her steps were slow and empty, like she was moving without feeling the ground under her feet. Her eyes were swollen, her face pale, and Mo Ying's dried blood covered the front of her dress like a cruel reminder of everything that had happened.
When they reached her doorway, Yan Mei exchanged a worried look with Ru Lan before stepping closer.
"Lin Xu," Yan Mei said softly, "let me help you change out of these clothes. They're cold and wet. You'll fall sick."
Lin Xu shook her head weakly. "No… leave it. Leave me alone."
Yan Mei tried again, her voice shaking with worry. "At least let me help you clean—"
"I said leave me," Lin Xu whispered, her voice cracking. "Please… just leave."
The way she said it made Yan Mei's heart tighten. She opened her mouth to speak again, but Ru Lan touched her arm and shook her head gently before they both stepped back.
