To throw the military police off Isamu’s trail, Guan tells a lie wrapped in truth—one convincing enough to save him, but damning enough to haunt her. Meanwhile, Haotien races the clock to earn enough money to avoid exile, torn between the shame of poisoning his own people and the fear of losing everything. But when Lady Shenmei’s desperate plight leaves him no other option, he casts aside his conscience in hopes of saving her—only for everything to unravel when it matters most. This series is a work of fiction and contains graphic depictions of intense violence, drug abuse, and other shocking imagery. The story and its contents are not recommended for young or sensitive readers. Reader discretion is advised.