Chapter 3: Assassins
Lan Yue's clinic, late at night.
The faint glow of the lanterns cast flickering shadows on the clinic's walls as Lan Yue worked on organizing her herbal remedies.
The village was quiet, its residents long asleep, and the gentle rustle of the winds provided a soothing background.
Suddenly, the tranquility shattered. the sound of heavy boots crunching against gravel echoed from outside. Lan Yue froze, her hands trembling as she reached for the dagger hidden beneath her counter.
Before she could react further, the door burst open with a deafening crash. Figures clad in black, their faces masked, spilled into the room. Their movements were swift and calculated, like predators cornering their prey.
Assassins
Assassin Leader : (coldly) You harbor what does not belong to you. Hand over the stranger.
Lan Yue’s eyes darted to the back room, where the injured man she had been tending to lay unconscious.
Lan Yue / FL
(firmly) I don't know what you're talking about. This is a clinic, not a hiding place.
The leader stepped closer, drawing a blade that gleamed ominously in the lantern light.
Assassins
Assassin Leader : Don’t play games with us. He's worth more than your life. Stand aside, and we'll spare you.
Lan Yue’s grip tightened on the dagger.
Lan Yue / FL
(defiantly) You'll have to kill me first.
At that moment, the back door bursts open. The stranger_his face pale but determined_emerged, clutching a sword.
Stranger
If you want me, come and get me.
The assassins lunged, and chaos erupted. The stranger moved with surprising agility, deflecting their attacks despite his weakened state.
Lan Yue / FL
(shouting) You'll destroy the entire clinic! We have to get out of here!
Grabbing a pouch of herbs and the mysterious pendant she had been studying, Lan Yue led the stranger out the back door. The two fled into the night, the assassins close on their heels.
As they reached the edge of the village, the stanger stumbled, clutching his side. Lan Yue instinctively reached out to steady him.
Lan Yue / FL
(breathless) Who are you? And why are they after you?
Stranger
(grimly) No time for explanations. Keep moving.
The pendant in Lan Yue’s hand began to glow faintly. She glanced down, her heart racing, as it warmed against her skin.
Lan Yue / FL
(confused) Why is it reacting to me?
Stranger
(glancing at the pendant) Because it's meant for you.
The assassins' shouts grew fainter as the pair disappeared into the dense forest, leaving behind the smoldering ruins of the life Lan Yue had once known.
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