Shadows of the Past

The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled light across Liu Wei’s modest cottage. The air was cool and fragrant with the scent of dew-soaked earth. She stirred early, her mind still heavy with the events of the previous day. The man she had rescued, now named Xuan Li, was still asleep, and she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his story than he had revealed.

After preparing a simple breakfast of rice porridge and pickled vegetables, she stepped outside to gather herbs for their meal. As she worked, her thoughts drifted to Xuan Li. She felt a deep sense of responsibility for him, as if their fates were now intertwined.

When she returned, Xuan Li was awake, propped up against the wall with a contemplative look on his face. His dark hair fell across his forehead, and the bandage she had wrapped around his arm was stained, but the wound seemed to be healing.

“Good morning,” Liu Wei greeted him, a smile breaking across her face. “How are you feeling?”

“Better,” he replied, his voice still hoarse. “But I still can’t remember anything. It’s like I’m trapped in a fog.”

She placed a bowl of porridge in front of him, watching as he took a cautious sip. “You need to regain your strength. Perhaps memories will come to you with time.”

Xuan Li nodded, but there was a flicker of frustration in his eyes. “What if I’m dangerous? What if I was… someone important?”

“You are important,” Liu Wei assured him. “You are here now, and that’s what matters. I’ll help you figure out who you are.”

As they ate, Xuan Li's gaze wandered around the cottage, landing on the herbs hanging from the rafters and the various bottles filled with dried plants. “You’re quite skilled with these. How did you learn?”

“My parents were herbalists,” she explained, a hint of sadness in her voice. “They taught me everything I know. After they died, I devoted myself to helping others.”

His expression softened. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you,” she replied, touched by his empathy. “It was a long time ago. But now I have a purpose.”

The morning passed as they talked, laughter mingling with serious conversations about their pasts. Liu Wei found herself captivated by Xuan Li’s presence, his charm slowly breaking down the walls she had built around her heart. However, as the day wore on, a sense of unease crept in. She felt as if they were being watched.

That night, while tending to the fire, a rustling sound outside caught her attention. She glanced at Xuan Li, who had fallen asleep on the floor. Quietly, she approached the door, peering into the darkness. Her heart raced as she spotted shadows flitting between the trees.

“Xuan Li,” she whispered urgently, shaking him awake. “Wake up! I think someone is out there.”

He shot up, instantly alert, the remnants of sleep wiped away. “What is it?”

“Stay here,” Liu Wei instructed, grabbing a small dagger she kept for protection. She slipped outside, moving cautiously, the cool night air prickling her skin.

As she stepped into the moonlight, the shadows retreated, but she could sense their presence lingering nearby. Her instincts screamed at her to run, but she stood her ground, ready to confront whoever lurked in the darkness.

Suddenly, a figure emerged, cloaked in black, their features obscured. “You shouldn’t be meddling in things you don’t understand, herbalist,” the figure hissed, a mocking tone lacing their voice.

Liu Wei’s heart raced. “Who are you? What do you want?”

“The prince is not meant for someone like you,” the figure sneered, glancing back toward the cottage. “He belongs to a world you cannot comprehend.”

“Prince?” Liu Wei echoed, realization dawning. Xuan Li was more than just a stranger—he was a royal heir. The weight of the truth settled heavily in her chest, a mixture of fear and protectiveness washing over her.

“Leave him alone,” she demanded, holding her dagger with resolve. “He’s found peace here.”

The figure chuckled darkly. “Peace is an illusion. He will remember, and when he does, you’ll be nothing but a distant memory.”

With that, the figure melted back into the shadows, leaving Liu Wei trembling in the moonlight. She rushed back to the cottage, her mind racing.

“Xuan Li!” she called, finding him still sitting where she left him, confusion etched across his face.

“What happened?” he asked, his voice thick with concern.

“There was someone out there,” she replied, breathless. “They mentioned you… they called you a prince.”

Xuan Li’s expression turned serious, and a flicker of recognition passed over his features. “A prince? That… could explain the dreams.”

“We need to figure out who you are before it’s too late,” she urged, panic bubbling beneath her calm facade. “If they are looking for you…”

“I can’t remember,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “But I promise you, I will find out. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

In that moment, Liu Wei felt a warmth spread through her, a flicker of hope igniting. They were in this together, and perhaps, through the storm that was approaching, they would find the answers they sought—and the love that was blossoming between them.

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