The sound of screaming drew nearer, like an invisible hand tightening around my throat. My heart felt as if it were about to burst from my chest, thrashing against my ribs like a trapped beast. Xiaotao gripped my hand so tightly her knuckles turned white; I could feel the cold dampness of her palms.
"Stay calm, stay calm! Girl, hold it together!" I forced myself to remain steady, taking a deep breath and telling myself this wasn't a fan meeting—I couldn't afford to faint.
We were hiding in a secret hollow behind a rockery in the Imperial Garden. The entrance was masked by dense vines, making it nearly impossible to spot without close inspection. Pei Yuan had told me about this place earlier, calling it his secret base from childhood. Now, it was proving to be incredibly useful.
Chapter 120