Yueshuang staggered back to her chambers, supported by her brother's unwavering arm. The world around her was a muffled, distant thing, the frantic activity of servants, the low, urgent voices of her father's guards, all faded into a dull hum against the screaming silence in her mind.
She was aware of being guided to a divan, of a heavy blanket being draped over her shoulders, but she felt nothing. Her brother's presence was a steady pressure, but it was a poor substitute for the one who was gone.
With a final, worried glance, he left her, as he went to join the grim clean-up.
She was left alone in the shattered remains of her chamber. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Yueshuang stared at the splintered doorframe, her mind churning.
Who would want her dead? She had just arrived at this new manor. Had the original Yueshuang made enemies? A bitter rival or a scorned suitor? It was possible, but the attack was too bold for mere personal revenge.
