The Lin residence stood at the far end of the market district, removed from the noise and dust as though it existed in a different world entirely.

Even from the outside, wealth announced itself without subtlety.

The walls were freshly whitewashed, unblemished by time or weather, with dark wooden beans framing the structure in clean, deliberate lines.

A carved gate marked the entrance, its surface etched with intricate patterns of cranes and blooming peonies. It was a symbol of prosperity and longevity.

Yet, both Ru Yi and Shen Yexue had flinched the first time they saw the flowers. The petals were subtle reminders of the life they’d been forced to leave behind.

"This is the place?" Ru Yi asked softly, her gaze lifting towards the high walls in disbelief.

Yexue nodded once, her eyes already scanning.

There were no visible guards. No signs of disorder, everything was in its place.

They were admitted by a servant who barely spared them a second look, ushering them through a courtyard lined with polished stone paths and carefully arranged greenery.

Even the air felt different here...cleaner, perfumed faintly with something floral and expensive. In a way it reminded Ru Yi of the palace.

She risked a look at Yexue, wondering if she missed all that power and ease.

They were led into the inner chambers where the lady of the house awaited them.

Madam Lin.

She was seated by a low lacquered table, a cup of tea resting untouched at her side. When she looked up, her smile was immediate, practiced, and perfectly measured.

"Ah," she said, her voice smooth. "You must be the girl Madam Xiao talked about." Her gaze settled on Ru Yu, warm but not soft.

Yexue stepped half a pace forward without thinking.

Madam Lin noticed.

"I will return for her," Yexue said, not wanting to spend even a second more in the woman’s presence. There was something about her that unnerved Yexue.

For a brief moment, something flickered in Madam Lin’s eyes. It was sharp, quickly concealed beneath silk and composure.

"Of course," Madam Lin answered. "How considerate of you."

She finally stood up, her robes of silk flowing around her in deep jade and muted gold. Embroidery traced along the sleeves and helm...delicate but impossibly detailed.

If Ru Yi didn’t know better, she would think Madam Lin came from royalty.

Even her hair was arranged high and precise, secured with gold pins shaped like blossoms, tiny pearls suspended from their ends. It all trembled with each step she took.

"Come," Madam Lin said, turning gracefully. "I will show you your duties."

Ru Yi followed, but Yexue did not leave immediately.

She waited until she could no longer see Ru Yi down the narrow hallway before she left.

-

-

The inner chambers were even more lavish.

Polished floors reflected light from the open lattice windows, and the furnishings were crafted from dark, expensive wood.

Silk screens divided spaces that did not need dividing, painted with serene landscapes that felt at odds with the stillness of the house.

"This will be your primary responsibility," Madam Lin said, gesturing to her personal chamber. It was larger than the entire house Ru Yi was staying in.

A bed draped in fine fabric stood at its center, its curtains tied back with braided cords. Low tables held cosmetics, brushes, and small porcelain containers, each arranged with meticulous care.

"Keep it clean," Madam Lin continued. "Everything should remain as it is." She looked at Ru Yi. "Do not move anything without my permission."

Ru Yi nodded. "Yes, Madam." The silence around them unnerved her. "Are there no other maids except me? I didn’t see anyone while coming in."

Madam Lin gave her a tight smile. "I used to have a couple girls from the village work for me. But they went missing."

"Missing?"

"I’m sure you’re aware of everything happening in the village... It was a pretty unfortunate turn of events."

"Oh." Ru Yi nodded. But she hadn’t noticed guards around the perimeter, which was unusual for someone whose maids had been victims of the kidnappings.

"I’ll leave you to it. Let me know if you need anything."

Ru Yi worked quietly.

Sweeping, dusting, arranging—careful not to disturb anything beyond what was required of her. The room felt...untouched, in a way that suggested it was maintained more than it was lived in.

Even the bed looked as though no one truly slept in it.

Ru Yi gathered a set of cleaning cloths and moved toward a side cabinet, kneeling to place them inside.

That was when she noticed it.

At the back.

Behind the cabinet, partially obscured by shadow.

A seam.

Too straight to be natural.

Ru Yi hesitated, then shifted slightly, her fingers brushing against the edge. She was startled when it moved.

A narrow opening revealed itself, dark and unlit. The air within was cooler and stale. She frowned, leaning closer.

And then—

She heard it.

A sound...faint and low.

It was strained and broken, like someone trying to keep all their pain trapped inside of them. Only to have it escape their lips, turning into a sound so terrifying it would give anyone chills.

Ru Yi froze.

Another sound followed. This one was a soft groan, not loud enough. But Ru Yi recognized it as the sound of someone struggling.

She tried to look past into the opening but was only met with terrifying darkness that sent chills down her entire body.

It reminded her of the groans she’d heard behind that closed door, back at the Empress’s residence. When she was still spying for the princess.

She never found out what was hidden there.

"Is anyone there?" she called softly.

The only answer she got was a low, dragging scrape, like metal grinding against stone. It was rough and uneven. Then a hollow clink.

Were those chains?

"Speak if you can hear me?" she asked again, careful so no one outside would hear her. "I can’t help you if I’m not sure someone is there."

This time there was a slow strained sound, like a quiet groan.

Against her better judgement Ru Yi started to put her hand in the opening when the sound of a door slamming close made her jump in fear.

"Didn’t I tell you to keep your hands to yourself?"