An unknown amount of time had passed in peace and silence when a timid figure suddenly entered Yun Che’s vision. He was an unhealthy-looking boy who looked to be in his early teens at best. His face was gaunt, and his skin was coarse and dark in a way that didn’t fit his age.

He flinched when he saw Yun Che lying on the bed looking bruised and battered, but he did not leave immediately. He swept his gaze across the room quickly as if he was looking for someone or something. When he ...