Lost in the unfolding drama, they were oblivious to romance drama inside the bathroom.
The room glistened under the warm light, steam curling around the edges of the mirror like gentle ghosts. Xiang Yu stood close to Han Xin, the warmth of their bodies merging in the humid air.
His fingers danced over the contours of Han Xin’s arm, drawing his focus away from his reflection where he was admiring the work of art.
"Doesn’t husband like it?" Xiang Yu teased, a playful smile lighting up his face.
Han Xin turned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He wrapped his arms around Xiang Yu, pulling him closer, their hearts thrumming in a syncopated rhythm. "I love it," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I love anything you do to me."
Xiang Yu chuckled finding it quite amusing. "Now Xin-ge knows how I feel."
In an instant, Han Xin closed the distance, capturing Xiang Yu’s lips in a fierce kiss. It consumed them, a rush of heat and longing that made the world outside dissolve. One wouldn’t think that they were about to start fires and blow up the world.
Xiang Yu surrendered to the moment, letting Han Xin set the pace. When their lips finally parted, he gasped, breathless, his mind racing.
Xiang Yu grinned, a spark of anticipation flickering in his eyes. "Baby, how about you help me wash my back."
Han Xin’s gaze dropped, a sly grin spreading across his face as he hands slid down towards Xiang Yu’s ass. With a pa, he slapped he ass cheek and whispered, "I can do more than that."
Xiang Yu was a little startled. He pressed his ass against Han Xin’s crotch teasing him. "I will take you up on that offer."
The darkness cloaked the city in silence, broken only by distant echoes of chaos. Lian and Mei moved swiftly through the shadows, their figures barely visible.
They reached the treasure vault, a heavy structure built to withstand anything... or so they thought. With a quiet explosion, the barriers shattered, and fire erupted inside, illuminating the night with a fierce, orange glow.
Meanwhile, outside the chaos, the city’s forces poured into the streets. They deployed most of their defenses toward the vault, to contain the breach. But across the city, Xiang Yu and Han Xin struck at the heart of Sanguine Wardens’ power.
In a flash, they detonated nuclei bombs at the electrical plants, one at the nuclei station, another at the hydro plant, and a third at the solar power facility. The explosions synchronized perfectly, turning the sky into a horrifying blaze. Fireballs roared upward, lighting up the night like a second sun. Citizens stared in terror from their windows, hearts pounding.
Inside the grand hall, Warden Udrich sat at the head of the table, his face stern as he discussed plans with his councillors. The room was tense, filled with urgent whispers and hurried gestures. Suddenly, a messenger burst in, bowing deeply.
"Reporting to the Warden," he said bowing deeply, "the treasure vault has been destroyed. From the initial investigation, nothing major is missing from the five compartments."
Warden Udrich’s eyes narrowed as he studied the glowing horizon outside the window. A flicker of suspicion crossed his face. He wondered if the thieves had not had enough time to steal anything valuable. Or perhaps, this attack was meant to be a distraction. But for what purpose?
Just then the ground shook even more ferocious than before and three fiery purple clouds rose in the night sky raising everything in their path. Everyone struggled to steady themselves as they cursed the culprits.
Just as the ground settled, he turned sharply to the security head standing nearby. "Where is Xiang Yu?" His voice was calm but firm, carrying an edge of doubt.
The security man hesitated only a moment before answering. "Reporting to my lord, he is still in the hotel."
Udrich’s eyes widened in surprise. "Even the people he came with?"
The man nodded. "Yes, my lord. They are still in their rooms. They haven’t left."
Udrich’s mind raced. It was hard to believe. The timing was too coincidental. Xiang Yu’s unannounced visit into the city, then explosions at the vault and power plants, all happening so close together. It felt like too much coincidence.
He clenched his fists slightly, then spoke with authority. "Bring him to me. Now!"
The security man bowed deeply. "Yes, my lord." Without hesitation, he turned and strode out of the hall with long, strides.
Lian and Mei stood close to the cracked mirror in the small safe house downtown. The room was dim, but the treasure spread out before them sparkled brightly in the low light.
Crowns, necklaces, rings—gems that caught the eye and made their heads spin. Their master had told them to take anything they liked, so they did just that.
Lian reached out first, sliding a shimmering bracelet onto her wrist. Mei giggled, eyeing the jewelry with wide, dazzled eyes. She picked up a delicate necklace, admiring how the stones caught the faint glow from the window.
"Why aren’t our ears pierced in this world?" Mei asked, frowning as she looked at her own plain lobes.
Lian grinned mischievously. "Want me to pierce them now?" she teased, pulling out a tiny earring.
Mei hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah. Just for fun."
Without more warning, Lian took the earring and aimed at Mei’s ear. She stuck out her tongue, focused, and with a quick push, the tiny piercing went through. Mei yelped, tears prickling her eyes, but Lian just laughed.
"Don’t be such a baby," Lian said, patting Mei’s shoulder.
Just then, the door swung open. Xiang Yu and Han Xin stepped inside, surprised to see the scene. Xiang Yu’s brow furrowed as he took in the jewelry and the two girls.
"What are you doing?" Xiang Yu asked, voice steady but edged with confusion.
Mei wiped at her eyes, blinking quickly. "We found pretty earrings. We wanted to try them on," she said softly.
Lian, still holding the earring, looked up at Xiang Yu with a mischievous grin. "See? We are just having fun."
Xiang Yu rubbed his brow and sighed. "Stop messing around and pack up."
Han Xin stepped closer, eyes wide. "Does it hurt?" he asked gently.
Mei shook her head quickly, but as soon as Lian jabbed the earring into her ear again, Mei yelped loud enough to echo in the small room. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she clutched her head.
Xiang Yu shook his head, a mixture of frustration and disbelief in his eyes. "Enough. We are leaving now."
Lian finally lowered the earring, grinning sheepishly. Mei sniffled, trying to compose herself.