In an instant, the sun sank below the horizon, and darkness surged in from the edge of the sky like a tide.
Some people knelt and begged for mercy, believing that killing the Priest had angered the gods above.
Others fled in panic, spitting vicious words as though that could bolster their courage.
Yin Chao and the others were scattered by the fleeing crowd.
His gaze fell on the execution platform.
On the rose that had grown vivid with the blood soaking it.
He walked against the crowd, drawing closer step by step.
He carefully cradled Yin Rui's silver-crowned head, kissed her forehead softly, then picked up the rose that had turned red after drinking her blood.
"I love you, Yin Rui. See you tomorrow."
(I love you, Yin Rui. See you tomorrow.)
These were the words he and Yin Rui exchanged before going to sleep.
The clamoring crowd did nothing to disturb the peaceful scene. His eyes held endless tenderness, as though they had finally reunited after a long separation.
Yin Chao raised his head and watched the world darken little by little.
He seemed to spot that dark-skinned little boy in the crowd, standing beside the drunkard, the plague-stricken young man, and the inn maid.
They had completely different faces, and even differed in age and gender.
Yet they all wore the same expression.
Gentle... or loving?
Yin Chao could not quite be certain, not until night fell completely.
When dusk met the horizon, darkness would descend.
A hymn from the ancient heavens rang out, its eerie notes lingering, its mournful melody stretching on before finally fading.
It sounded like praise, yet also like remembrance.
Vast and sorrowful.
Yin Chao heard people howling in agony. Two trails of warm liquid ran from the corners of his eyes, and