Mei looked at her, really looked, at this woman she had served for half a millennium. The woman who had once been strong as forged iron, until her daughter's disappearance began to crack her spirit, season by season, year by year. Who had been fading for eight long years, her vitality dimming like a guttering candle sustained only by grief.
Who now had a light in her eyes that Mei had not seen in nearly a decade.
"All right," Mei said quietly. "But we do this my way. Slow. Careful. And the moment you show signs of failing, we turn back."
"Yes, yes." The lady was already turning toward the door, her steps unsteady but unwavering. "Do you know where she is?"
"Young Master Long Chen mentioned a hospital. And a husband named Lu Yuze." Mei moved to her side, offering the solid support of her arm. "I can trace her magical signature once we are near the city."
"Then let us go."
