Azure Echoes.

Chapter 21: Captured Resolve

Lian barely managed to hide Xiu when the door swung open, and the Black Veil leader strode inside, his expression veiled in cold authority. He scanned the room with piercing eyes, his gaze settling on Lian, who remained silently defiant. The leader's lips curled into a thin, knowing smile.

"Well, look at you," he drawled, hands clasped behind his back as he stepped forward. "So focused. Working so diligently... Tell me, Lian, what exactly are you doing?"

Lian's mouth remained a thin line, eyes cold and unyielding. He'd made his choice—no response, no words. He could feel the weight of Xiu's presence, hidden in the shadows, her gaze surely locked on the tense scene. He knew she was watching, but he didn't dare look her way.

The leader's smile faded, his patience wearing thin. "Playing the silent game, are we? So predictable. I expected better after all our time together." He signaled with a quick wave, and two masked guards stepped forward, each one radiating silent menace.

"Hold him," the leader commanded.

The guards obeyed, roughly grabbing Lian by the arms and forcing him to his knees. Lian barely struggled, maintaining his steely gaze, but his heart hammered against his chest. He would not give them the satisfaction of fear. Instead, he locked eyes with the leader, defiance etched into every line of his expression.

The leader let the silence linger for a few agonizing moments before his hand cracked sharply across Lian's face, the sound echoing through the small, cold room. Lian's head snapped to the side, the sting sharp and biting, but he refused to let any sign of pain slip. He steadied himself, meeting the leader's gaze once more, his expression unfaltering.

"Perhaps," the leader said, tone deadly soft, "you'll reconsider once you understand the position you're in." He motioned again, and one of the guards yanked Lian to his feet, roughly tightening the bindings around his wrists.

"Your friends are here," the leader continued, his voice a calculated, venomous whisper. "Oh yes, we know. They came for you, so noble, so predictable. But they walked right into our hands. And when I catch them, they'll join you—right here, at my mercy."

Lian's stomach twisted. He fought to keep his expression blank, knowing that any reaction could betray his own distress. He cast a mental prayer toward Zeng, hoping he was still free, still safe. For now, all he could do was endure.

Satisfied with the lack of response, the leader's hand curled around Lian's shoulder, yanking him forward. "Since words aren't your strength, I think it's time we take a little walk." His voice dropped, barely a whisper. "And you'll see just how fragile that resolve of yours is."

He began to drag Lian toward the door, his grip iron-tight, with the two guards flanking them. Lian's gaze momentarily flickered to the shadows, knowing Xiu was watching, concealed and silent.

As they left, the door clicked shut, leaving Xiu in darkness.