𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝘅'𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴- 𝗝𝗶𝗮𝗼𝗾𝗶𝘂 𝘅 𝗙.𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿

𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘆-𝟮𝟮

words:2500

Jiaoqiu's eyes held a mix of concern and confusion. "You were the goddess of the Borisin, not of humans. Hoolay himself proclaimed you as their goddess."

The revelation hit you like a ton of bricks, and your face paled. "That's not what happened," you stammered, your voice quivering. "That's not what I remember."

A growing sense of dread tightened around your chest. "How could he have said that? How could anyone believe such a thing?"

Xueyi, noting the tension, interjected with a sense of urgency. "We need to move faster. The situation requires immediate attention."

Desperation clawed at you as you turned to Jiaoqiu. "I will explain everything to you, but you must promise me one thing: Whatever it is,,,you have to... you have to kill me." The words came out in a frantic rush, the fear in your voice unmistakable.

Jiaoqiu's silence was deafening. He didn't nod or verbally acknowledge your plea. Instead, he simply took your trembling hand into his, his grip firm yet gentle. Without a word, he began to lead you forward, the weight of unspoken promises heavy between you.

You reviewed the "Reminders When Visiting Hoolay" document, a chilling realization set in. The summary of Hoolay's crimes, his long-term enslavement of foxians, and the cruel alchemical uses of their blood stirred a deep, painful memory within you. Your eyes filled with tears at the mention of Jingliu's name, a name that seemed to pierce through the fog of your forgotten past. You trembled, the emotional weight nearly overwhelming.

In your moment of fear and sorrow, you turned to Jiaoqiu, your voice trembling as you tried to suppress the rising dread. You clung to him, your grip desperate, needing the reassurance of his presence. "Please, don't make me wait outside. I need to be here. I need to understand what's happening."

Jiaoqiu's eyes softened with a mixture of concern and confusion. "We need to keep you safe, but you don't have to face this alone."

Despite his words, you felt a pang of panic. You didn't want to be separated from him, not with the darkness you were grappling with. Your fear seemed to solidify into a tangible entity as you held onto Jiaoqiu, shaking your head vehemently. "No, I need to stay. I need to understand... I can't be left alone with this."

Jiaoqiu hesitated, his expression torn. The gravity of the situation and your distress were clear, but he also knew the importance of following protocol. "Alright," he finally said, his voice gentle. "But you must remain calm and stay close to me. This is a dangerous place, and I don't want you to be exposed to any risk."

With a deep breath, you tried to steady yourself, finding a small measure of solace in Jiaoqiu's steady presence.

Xueyi held out a small, unassuming pellet. "And please take this pellet before proceeding."