Shikui was cozily wrapped in his blanket, deep in a pleasant dream when a sudden knock at the door startled him awake. Hearing that Pei Jue had arrived, he bolted up, the back of his neck chilled to the bone.
Pei Jue was waiting for him in the main hall.
In the dead of night, his eyes were clear and bright, sitting upright with the dust and fatigue of travel lending him an even more valiant appearance. His deep, dark eyes seemed naturally endowed with the sharpness of swords, and Shikui felt a bit tense upon seeing him.
"Great General graces Pingyang with his presence, and your humble servant is late to welcome you. Please forgive me," he said.
He stepped forward, clasped his fists, and bowed deeply, though his heart thudded so hard it nearly leapt out of his chest.
The Great General's early arrival surely wasn't for a royal procession, nor was it to join him for drinks.
Big trouble indeed.
Shikui's mind was sharp, but Pei Jue just stared at him without speaking.