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“Somewhere in the Mortal Realm.”

“The Mortal Realm?” My voice rose in alarm.

Immortals were forbidden from descending here without leave from the Celestial Emperor. Long ago, they had roamed this world at leisure. Perhaps they enjoyed the rush of power to walk among those weaker, to hear their songs of worship or terrified pleas. To the mortals, they were not just immortals; they were gods. However, this had led to great turmoil. Mortals were terrified by magic. And too many destinies were altered through such interference, causing the untimely deaths of some or saving others from fated calamities. The Keeper of Mortal Fates persuaded the Celestial Emperor to issue an edict, banning all immortals from venturing here freely. Though many lamented this outcome, none dared to challenge the command. Since then, our realm was veiled from mortal sight and with each passing year, their memories of us faded further into myth and legend. All they saw now when they looked up into the sky were the sun, moon, and stars.

“Are we allowed to be here?” I peered furtively at the sky, half expecting the Keeper of Mortal Fates to descend and haul us back for punishment.

Liwei lifted the oblong piece of jade which hung by his waist, intricately carved with a dragon. An imperial seal. “With this, we can go anywhere we wish,” he assured me, dropping it down where it clinked against the Sky Drop Tassel. “One of the few benefits of attending those lengthy discussions at court.”

After walking a little farther into the forest, we sat beside a gurgling stream. The soft grass was blanketed by pale petals, a few already browning at their edges. A reminder that nothing here stayed the same, each moment bringing all creatures closer to their inevitable end. I could not help thinking of my father, growing older with each passing day. A longing gripped me to search for him, to seek him out if he lived still. But Liwei knew nothing of my parents, and how could I tell him now?

I was glad he could not see my face as he unpacked the basket. Out came a porcelain wine jar, golden pears, and an assortment of steamed buns—some stuffed with sweet bean paste, others with meat. As I reached for one, my hand collided into his.

He whisked the plate out of my reach. “How about a challenge for these?”

I groaned inwardly. Without my bow, he would probably best me at any other weapon. And while I did not care much for the prize, I cared even less for losing. Oblivious to my discontent, Liwei searched the ground until he found two sturdy sticks, tossing me one.

I caught it midair. “Don’t you think the odds are weighted in your favor? You’re the better swordsman. At least for now,” I muttered under my breath.

He circled me with predatory grace. “Already conceding defeat?”

I leapt to my feet at once, my fingers tightening around the rough bark.

A length of white silk appeared in his palm. “I’ll cover one of my eyes, but I’ll still win.”

“By all means,” I said sweetly, trying not to gnash my teeth. I could have spurned his arrogant offer, but I would grasp any advantage just to dent his pride.

A breeze swept through the trees, raining flowers upon us as we stood opposite each other. I sprang at his blindfolded side first, hoping to take him by surprise. Liwei flung his stick up to block mine, withdrawing quickly to strike my calf. I hissed, whirling to stab him in the chest. A breath whooshed from his lips as I darted out of his reach, a moment before we flew at each other in earnest. The peace of the forest disintegrated with the crunch of our feet against the stones and dried leaves, the crash from our colliding sticks. I could not help a rush of admiration for his technique—his fierce attack yet swift recoil, each move controlled and yet free. Our match was closer than expected, and I hoped with some luck I might win. Spotting an opening, I lunged forward—but he leaned back low, my stick slicing through empty air. Before I could retreat, his hard blow knocked the stick from my hand.

I stifled a cry, struggling to conceal my frustration. “If it had been with the bow, I would have beaten you with both of my eyes closed.” Grabbing a bun from the basket, I tossed it to him.

He caught it but offered it to me at once. “Here, you have it.”

“It’s your prize.” Picking up a pear, I sank my teeth into its ripe flesh, its sweet and fragrant juice filling my mouth.

When he tried to give it to me again, I shook my head. “Do you want to challenge me for the right not to eat it?” I asked archly.

He shot me an icy look before biting into the soft bread. It smelled delicious, the rich fragrance of roasted pork wafting toward me.

“Make sure you don’t choke on it,” I said with an unfeigned smile.

Hunger was a small price to pay for the irate expression that flashed across his face. I had lost the match yet somehow gained the advantage. Gazing into the overcast sky, I marveled at how everything seemed more beautiful. Even the rain clouds were no longer gloomy and threatening, instead imbued with dark majesty.

After we had eaten, he poured me a cup of wine. As the delicate fragrance of osmanthus sprang in the air, I stilled, recalling a forest of moon-white blossoms.

My fingers clenched around the cup as I lifted it in a toast. “May you always be happy.”

His gaze rested on me. “If I’m always as happy as I am now, that would be the best wish of all.”

The wine slid down my throat with a heady warmth. After we had drained our cups, he refilled them and raised his to me in turn. “May all your dreams come true.”

I wondered what he would think if he knew what they were. For a long time, my dreams were about regaining what I had lost in the past. However, since last night, or perhaps even before—a hope for the future had taken root in my heart.

“What are your dreams?” he asked, just as he did yesterday, as though he had plucked the thoughts from me.

“To be with my loved ones,” I said, after a pause. It was the truth, but the hollow type which was gilded in deceit.

As his eyes darkened and he leaned closer, my breathing quickened.