The oppressive atmosphere felt like an invisible hand gripping everyone’s throat, as if the very air had frozen, making it impossible to breathe.
Hua Anni slumped in a pool of blood, her dress soaked through, the crimson stains appearing jarringly vivid under the moonlight. Her body stiffened slightly, a flicker of panic crossing her eyes, though she quickly forced herself to appear calm. Her expression held a mixture of fear at the present situation and a stubborn refusal to admit defeat.
"You..." Hua Anni’s lips parted, wanting to say something, but as she met the frost-cold gaze of the Lord of the State, Hua Wanshi, all words were stifled in her throat. A chill surged from the soles of her feet straight to her heart.
Chapter 170