The woodland path was quiet and secluded. The evening breeze swept through the trees, carrying the soft rustle of leaves.
Li Xiang, Kohaku, Ginro, and Amaryllis walked steadily along the path, blending into the islanders entering the selection as they underwent inspections by the guards along the way.
The screening was strict throughout. Each person's identity and appearance were checked, and anyone showing the slightest irregularity would be detained immediately.
Fortunately, Amaryllis had made arrangements beforehand, and all four wore flawless makeup and disguises.
They passed every checkpoint without trouble. Shrike, stationed beside the path, kept letting his gaze linger on Li Xiang.
His gaze was subtle, but it swept over her features and figure again and again, refusing to move away.
Li Xiang's heart tightened instantly, her nerves stretching taut.
What's going on? He keeps looking at me.
Has he seen through my disguise?
That's impossible. How could he have noticed?
In truth, Shrike had simply taken a liking to her.
She kept her expression composed and gentle, her steps steady as she let him look.
Those few seconds of locked gazes felt as long as centuries.
Fortunately, Shrike merely looked a few extra times without questioning her.
Outside the screen, Li Xiang poked Shrike. "Hey, why did you keep looking at me back then?"
Shrike raised an eyebrow slightly. "You're pretty."
"That's such a lazy answer!" Li Xiang puffed out her cheeks.
Helpless, Shrike reached up to stroke her hair. "Hmm... actually, you looked so nervous that I took a few extra looks."
At that, Li Xiang grew serious. "Ah, just as I thought."
Shrike swallowed the words stuck in his throat that he couldn't bring himself to say.
His expression darkened as he watched Li Xiang's back.
The group passed the final checkpoint safely and