Dire news indeed. But no matter what, I had already decided—I had to get to Seo-yeon. Immediately.
I surged into motion. I didn't hesitate. I couldn't. Every instinct screamed to move, to act, to protect. I had to make sure she didn't get hurt.
It was surprising to see Min-jeong return. I hadn't seen her in five years—not since I tasked her and the others with investigating that cursed region. I'd sent clones to check on them from time to time, but my true body never had the chance to speak with them face to face.
"Watch over this place for me," I said calmly, rising from the throne. "I'll be back soon."
In truth, I didn't expect this to take long. Whatever monster had awoken... I would kill it. Or, if it was worth more alive, I'd tame it. That was always the plan.
"Empress! That creature is nothing to be looked down on!" Min-jeong's voice cracked, her body trembling. Something about the way she said it unsettled me. What exactly had they awakened?
