Dong Huang, Magic Capital.
The evening sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, spilling across the living room's warm yellow floor.
Breaking news scrolled across the television. The anchorwoman's voice was steady, but a faint tremor at the end of her words betrayed her unease.
"Latest reports: two hours ago, three powerful members of the Demon Race attacked the capital of Fengying Country... The Speaker and seventeen council members have been confirmed captured, while two Royal Descendants are missing... The demons are moving east, apparently toward Dong Huang..."
Clack.
The remote fell onto the carpet.
Liu Ruxin covered her mouth. Her eyes reddened instantly.
She turned toward her husband, Su Xiangdong, who sat on the sofa.
The middle-aged man who was usually all smiles had gone pale. His fingers gripped his trouser leg without his realizing it.
"Xiangdong..."
Liu Ruxin's voice trembled.
"Will they... will they come to Dong Huang?"
Su Xiangdong opened his mouth, wanting to reassure her, but his throat tightened.
Just then, a clear, childish voice rang out beside them.
"What's there to be scared of?"
They turned.
In the corner of the living room, Su Baobao sat cross-legged on the carpet, her hair in twin ponytails. Dressed in pink Rabbit Pajamas, she held a huge slice of cake.
Even a crisis like this couldn't spoil Su Baobao's appetite.
"If only my brother were here! Slash, slash, slash—he'd cut down all those bad demons!"
She mimed swinging a blade. Her pajama sleeve slipped down, revealing a little arm as pale as lotus root.
"Baobao, stop fooling around."
Liu Ruxin went over and crouched to stroke her daughter's head. Her voice was gentle, but she couldn't hide her worry.
"Your brother has important things to do in the Divine Realm. We can't always count on him..."
"But my brother