BOOK 8. Zhao Yunlan is a detective in a newly formed department dealing with strange crimes, but there are only three detectives and they don't have an office. Chu and Daqing work for Yunlan but their loyalty is to Black Robe who agreed to live...
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Shen Wei opened his eyes and didn't recognise where he was, everything was white and for a moment he thought he was dead, but not convinced that it was true. The Black Robe Entity stood beside his bed and looked down at him while he spoke, even though there was no face below the half mask which was partially hidden by the hood.
"Shen Wei, my host, no you're not dead yet, but your system is having a battle with two poisons and it all depends on who wins. But while we're here let's talk because there won't be another chance for at least two lifetimes."
Black Robe floated, he had no limbs, more like a disembodied outfit with a deep darkness where the bottom half of his face should be. Wei was not afraid but he did feel guilt and didn't know how to apologise or make up for what he almost did.
"My Prince, you were under someone else's spell, that's what they wanted you to do, we owe Yunlan our lives, both of us. Now you just have to get through this night. The poison is strong but so is Apep and you are their arena where they will fight."
It was a strange conversation, only the Entity spoke when Wei thought, and he wondered where this place was.
"It's called The Enigma Room, a waiting room sometimes, but a residence as well, depending on who is here. Usually there are only one or two, and the spirit of the dead, who move on or wait to see if their body survives."
There didn't seem to be a caretaker, no one here at present.
"Yes , you're right, but we are here. I know this place well, I've been here before but it's going to change in the future and have a permanent spirit here. He's still alive just now, but he will choose to stay and look after us, the visitors."
Black Robe had one last float around enjoying his freedom before he spoke to Wei for the last time.
"No, you will not be able to hear me again after we leave, this is a rare chance for us but it was necessary to help you heal, now you must go back and face the pain until the fight is over. Apep will win, he is stronger but he has to be cruel to win, there is no other way and for that he has asked me to say ... Sorry."
Shen Wei never moved but he became aware of Yunlan holding his hand and he smiled for a second before a wave of discomfort washed over him and he felt the cool material against his hot skin, giving him relief from the scorching sun above. He couldn't understand why his bed was in the middle of a desert with no shade but Yunlan had cold water and was fully dressed. The heat didn't seem to bother him, he never even wore a hat to protect his head and face.
"A.Lan, it's too warm, I need a drink and get out of the sun, it's going to burn my skin."
Yunlan could make out some words and gave Wei a drink while he kept sponging him down with the cold water and switched off the overhead lights in the room, which seemed to be annoying him. Wei became more peaceful but he still felt very warm and Yunlan removed the top cover, replacing it with a thin sheet, as he sat gazing at Wei's face which told him everything. He recognised every expression, when he wanted a drink, when he was too warm, when he was in pain and when he wanted to know that he was not alone. Yunlan saw Wei's hand open for him to hold while he slept and fought the battle inside.
