seventh chapter the wall king's mind

su wanyu's heart pounded like a drum, legs trembling so hard she could barely hang on. she gripped the rusty drain pipe tighter, knuckles turning white. late at night, the moon hung high and pale, casting long shadows over the palace wall. wind whistled above, making the branches rustle.

she glanced behind, pressing against the cold stone wall. if the king found out she was climbing out, she'd be in big trouble. but staying in the cold palace meant gradual death, unless she could find a way out.

"are you really planning to climb down?" a voice called out suddenly. su wanyu froze, nearly falling off the wall. she slowly turned, seeing a tall figure standing at the distance. it was the wall king, liu yuanchen, wearing a dark robe that blended into the night.

he observed her silently, arms crossed, eyes fixed on her. "you're not clumsy, are you?" he said, tone casual but eyes sharp.

su wanyu lowered her head, trying to look innocent. "i... i was just stretching at the wall's edge." she lied, heart racing.