Darkness enveloped us like a vast, suffocating web. I could feel Pei Yuan’s muscles tensing; he was like a leopard coiled to spring, ready to lunge at his prey at any moment. Imperial Noble Consort Chen gripped my arm so tightly that her nails felt as though they were piercing my skin.
"Hush..." Pei Yuan whispered, signaling us to hold our breath.
Footsteps drew nearer, growing clearer and carrying an oppressive weight that stole the air from our lungs. I could hear the thumping of my own heart, each beat feeling as if it might burst through my chest.
Chapter 161