Rui lunged forward, hairpin aimed at his throat—only to freeze mid-strike as the Duke caught her wrist with impossible speed.
The red veil slipped from Rui's face, revealing her stunned expression as she struggled against his grip.
Her eyes widened in shock as they met familiar golden, slit-pupiled eyes.
"Zou?" Rui gasped, lowering the hairpin.
"Surprise!" Zou grinned. He released her wrist and executed a perfect theatrical bow.
"I must say, that was quite the welcome. Were you planning to accessorize my neck with that lovely hairpin?"
Rui stumbled backward, blinking rapidly.
"This can't be real. You're just a figment of my imagination—my mind trying to comfort me like before..." Her voice cracked as she glanced anxiously at the door.
"You need to leave. The Duke will be here any moment."
Zou chuckled. "The real Duke won't be joining us tonight—or ever."
"What do you mean?"
