While the atmosphere within Nineheaven Mirrormoon Palace was becoming increasingly tense, Ning Liang was encountering her own troubles. She had received a notice to deal with some palace affairs, but when she entered the hall there was no one there. When she turned around, she discovered that the maids who led her here had disappeared without a trace.

Her heart shrinking, Ning Liang turned to leave. But, the hall doors had already closed. As she was immediately submerged in darkness, she felt as if she had fallen into an eternal night.

The darkness washed over her, placing a formidable imprisonment upon her. A low and deep voice asked in her heart, “Ning Liang, just how are you acquainted with His Highness?”

In a horrified panic, Ning Liang’s eyes flew open. She tried to struggle, but all her efforts were for naught.

“Ning Liang, just how are you acquainted with His Highness?”

The voice sounded out once more, low and deep, as if there were all the time in the world.

“Ning Liang, just how are you acquainted with His Highness?”

Even deeper, even gentler.

Ning Liang’s movements gradually slowed and her face began to grow slack....