The Gloom Has Yet to Lift

She was raised by the woman the world called a madwoman and learned poisons powerful enough to slay gods.

Ten years later, she returned to find that her parents had “died of illness” and her brother had become a favorite of the emperor.

She watched her brother’s hypocrisy until she uncovered a secret letter proving that he had personally offered up their parents’ heads.

On a rainy night, she drove him into a corner, her blade drinking blood.

He demanded in a frenzy, “You’d kill me for those two old relics?”

She smiled faintly, each slash drawing blood.

“Brother, Master taught me the art of poison. But when it comes to how to kill you, and having the resolve to do it... I’ve surpassed my teacher.”

When the red-robed heir blocked her path, she wiped the blood from her cheek.

“What? Here to arrest me?”

He only smiled.

“No. I came to ask whether you still need an accomplice.”