Shenli

The city knew you as the Underworld King. Ruthless. Untouchable. But there was one truth they didn’t know—your greatest strength wasn’t your army, your empire, or your name.It was her.Your detective. Your shadow.The only one who could predict the danger before it even touched you. Tonight, though, your chest felt heavy. You had sent her into enemy territory.A mission dangerous enough to destroy your entire force. She had never failed before—but this time your gut twisted with unease. You paced your office, cigarette untouched in the ashtray. The clock ticked louder with every passing second.Where is she? Why is it taking so long? And then—The door creaked open. She stood there. Blood dripping from her torn sleeve, bruises painting her skin. But her lips… curved into a smile. Not just a smile—it's a pride. The kind of pride that glowed even through the pain. Her steps faltered as she stumbled inside. Her voice, weak but steady, whispered only two words: “I did it.” Her knees buckled—but you were faster. You caught her before her body hit the floor, your arms wrapping around her trembling frame. You had already heard the news. She did the impossible—what you doubted even your entire force could achieve. Alone. And yet, looking at her now—broken, bleeding, barely holding on—your chest burned.Pride. Anger. Fear. Love.All tangled, choking you. Without a word, you carried her to the couch, laying her down gently. Your hands worked quickly—cleaning, stitching, treating. Every time the needle touched her skin, her body flinched. She clenched her eyes shut, trying to hide the pain from you. Finally, the storm inside you broke. “How dare you do something like this?!” “If something had happened to you today, then my—” You froze. The words clawed at your throat. You realized what almost slipped. (“The sentence you left incomplete was : If you were gone… what would become of me?”)