Fox In The Sea (6)

The servant cupped his hands and bowed in front of Master Lu.

"This servant reports; we found this letter and a few gold coins in the pocket of one of the deceased guards from this evenings incident."

"This—This—" Lu Haochen was gnashing his teeth so hard that cracking sounds could be heard. The three Elders that stood by his side were now throwing curious glances at the dirty piece of paper. Lu Haochen's entire face was distorted in anger but nevertheless waved the letter in their direction, for them to read. One of the Elders slowly took it from the slightly trembling hand and all three of them gathered around to read. Their faces slowly started to loose color the more they read.

"The White Crane Merchant Group paid the guard to set up this incident? The fool didn't even know he was going to die in there too."

"But why would they do this?" The three elders were at a loss. When had they offended the White Crane Merchant Group? They looked at each other but still couldn't find an answer.

"As far as I know, some family members and disciples have caused some trouble for unknown shops around the city. The White Crane Merchant Group likes to be behind the scenes. Who knows how many of their secret nightclubs and illegal branches have suffered until now."

The three Elders clenched their fists. This was definitely a warning but for them it was more like an open provocation. To them, the White Crane Merchant Group was nothing more than some shady businessmen. How dare they try to intimidate the mighty Lu family?! If they thought Lu Manor would take this lying down, then they were truly dreaming!

In this night, in this hall, Lu family started to prepare for war.

At another place, deep underground in the Lu family's prison was another war taking place.

The miserable looking girl was pressed flat against the cold stone floor. It was difficult to breathe because the ankle-high, dirty water would always find its way into her nose or mouth. Her arm was making a quiet splashing sound as she tried to reach for the dagger again and again.

That asshole had put it right outside of her range! She could barely touch it with her fingertips! But still, she wouldn't stop trying. She didn't understand it herself but something told her, when she stopped to reach out for it, she would be truly be lost.

Ten minutes passed, then twenty and thirty. She was still trying. In her mind, logic had already started to seep in. Wasn't this just one last cruel joke? Why was she taking this demon's words so serious? So what if she really got that dagger, what would that even change about her fate to die in here?!

Once again, she choked on a mouthful of water. She had stopped counting how many times that already happened. It tasted like mud and feces. Rats' probably. Noise was carried wide in those wet stone corridors and beside herself and the occasional guard's steps she couldn't hear another soul. Beside her, there was just that one guard keeping watch. She still wouldn't stop to reach out.

The night was a deep black and the moon had long since passed its highest point but inside the prison cell, everything stayed the same. Her arm was stiff and tired and on her shoulder were bloody bruises from the constant grinding against the iron bars. Her fingertips touched that cold metal of the dagger, but nothing more.

In her mind she had already thrown logic over board again. So what if the outcome didn't change even if she got that damned dagger! If she really made it out of here alive, she would use it to ram it into that damn demons smug face! And while she was at it, she would also use it to get rid of the entire Lu family! HA! If she was going to dream, why not dream big! She would use it to kill everyone who dared to look at her disdainfully or lecherously! She would become a queen who reached the clouds and stood above everyone else, and then she could yell at her brother and parents in heaven that they didn't die for nothing! Maybe her brother would forgive her that she was such a stupid burden before and that she always said she would give her best to help him but then give up at the slightest hurdle, while he still gave everything and more, for them both. Maybe they would be proud of her.

The heavy burns on her legs were inflamed and had started to bleed again. She probably had a fever. The water was also rising, maybe it was raining outside? She could only guess because the rhythm at which she accidentally swallowed water had increased.

It wouldn't be long until her body gave in.

Laughable. What a weak body she had.

She gathered all her remaining strength for one last time. If she still couldn't reach it now, she would no longer have the strength to go on.

Her numb arm made quiet splashing sounds as she pressed her sore shoulder against the ice cold iron bars.

Suddenly, a wave swept through the entire corridor. It was light and barely noticeable as it came from seemingly out of nowhere but it was enough to move the dagger in the water. It was just a few centimeters but it was enough.

In a moments time, the always unreachable dagger suddenly touched her reached-out fingers and the smooth surface nestled against the cold skin of her palm.

Her clear eyes opened wide in surprise. It took her a few seconds until she realized what just happened. Tears appeared at the corner of her eyes. She clenched her fist tightly around the dagger, as if she'd just found her most important treasure and slowly retrieved it.

As she finally sat up, her eyes stared intently at the dark weapon before her eyes. She could finally see it clearly now.

The dagger was about the length of her forearm and palm. The sheath as covered with a dark-blue smooth leather. The hilt was from a strange metal. It should have been cold but as it lay in her hand, it felt warm like another person's palm, almost, as if it was alive. The form of the hilt was slightly uneven; it looked as if it had melted and the originally plenty and delicate details slowly lost form and merged with the rest of the hilt. Even though, it still nestled against her hand comfortably.

She was overcome with a strange feeling of calmness. Never before had she felt such clearness in her head.

The blade was not silver like a normal dagger. It was in a light blue and reflected the dim light beautifully in all directions. She turned the wave-like blade and the reflected light danced on the stonewalls around her. It was simple but mesmerizing.

She lifted her eyes from the shimmering metal to the unmovable iron bars. Slowly, carefully, she stood up. She had to use the wall behind her as support so her wounded legs wouldn't give in under her.

Trembling, she held the dagger with both hands. Her eyes were clear and unfathomable. She drew a deep breath and with all her remaining strength, she swung the waved blade at the iron bars.

She expected a jolt as the blade would hit this unmoving obstacle, a clang as it would bounce off and leave her without any more hope.

But it didn't. The blade cut through the bars like warm butter. A second swing of her arm and they fell down and disappeared into the now calf-high water.

Her calm eyes shifted between the blade and the opened path. A dangerous smiling expression appeared on her face. Her eyes held a deep bloodthirstiness.

With steady steps she stepped into the corridor and headed of the staircase. The wet footsteps of a guard could be heard up front but she didn't stop or tried to hide. Step by step they approached each other.

Due to the circular nature of the staircase, the guard couldn't see her before she stood right in front of him. His eyes widened and as he opened his mouth but no sound came out. He looked down and noticed the dagger that was thrust right through his leather armor into his stomach.

The girl in front of him, gave him a malicious grin and twisted the dagger, making the blood flow out like water. As he fell down backwards, his blood mixed with the muddy rainwater and flowed down the steps into the dark depth of the dungeon.

With the bloody dagger in her hand, the girl stepped over the lifeless body and advanced outside. It was still dark and the rain heavily hit the ground, forming puddles of rainwater in the grass.

She lifted her head and savored this moment. When she finally resumed her walk, her face had changed to an impenetrable, expressionless mask. The heavy rain washed away blood and mud. Like this she slowly disappeared on the dark street.

Quite a distance away from Lu Manor, Hei Su turned his head back as he heard the sudden alarm. The thick smoke that was rising from where he had come from blotted out the stars and was scarily lit by the spreading fire underneath it.

He turned his head back and headed for the city gate. He had received her answer.