Jiao Yue could no longer remember how long she had been trapped in this eerie Palace. A month, a year, or even longer... any of those was possible.
In any case, after entering this place, she had been cut off from the world. She did not know what lay outside the Palace, nor whether it was day or night in the world beyond.
Without a sound, without an end, she remained in the same spot.
Her only companions were the heavy chains and the clusters of brilliant flames on the Palace walls.
The Palace doors silently opened under an unknown force. To her, the world beyond them was nothing but darkness, like the gaping maw of an abyss.
Yes, even through those doors, she still knew nothing of the outside world. Jiao Yue thought it was probably some sort of Barrier.
A few breaths later, a figure finally approached through the darkness.
Only when the figure stepped into the Palace did Jiao Yue clearly see the visitor.
Why had she only been able to see the visitor after he entered the Palace...?
It was because this so-called visitor wore a Black Cloak that blended seamlessly into the darkness.
He walked without a sound, like a footless ghost. His broad Hood concealed his entire face, leaving not even his chin exposed.
More than once, this had made Jiao Yue suspect that whatever lay beneath the Cloak might not be human at all.
Of course, that suspicion was dispelled again when he extended his hands.
"You're here again." Although Jiao Yue rarely spoke, her voice remained alluring and melodious, perhaps thanks to an innate gift of the Merfolk.
The Man in Black Garments seemed accustomed to Jiao Yue greeting him this way. He showed little reaction, merely walking to her side and