To The Grave

Water dripped from the ceiling, as agonizing groans and obscure mutters plagued the prison. It was dark and grimy inside, from weeks of poor maintenance. 

This was just one of the prisons of the Imperial Palace, but it was the worst one. There were a total of no more than three cells inside. The darkness and incessant dripping of water droplets were enough to drive someone insane.

When Li Xueyue stepped down the staircase, her nose instantly crinkled. The stench in here was horrendous. It was pungent and smelled of human waste. 

Her nose stung and even her eyes burned a bit. It was difficult not to recoil, especially when she saw the questionable burgundy and yellow stains on the pale, grey stone walls.

It was pitch-black down here, except for the lanterns that Yu Zhen had ordered to be placed prior to their arrival.

"Would you like a scented veil?" Yu Zhen quietly asked her, gesturing to her face. "To cover your nose."