The Daughter

Chapter 1 - The Hallucination

Sweat trickled down from my forehead down to my cheek. Firey pain enveloped very atom in my body  my mind shifted between reality and unconsciousness. But then I fully plunged into my nightmare.

Lanterns little the sky like an array of fireflies leaving an luminescent golden glow in the sky. It was breataking. But I was consumed with panic as I scampered across the bridge. I couldn't believe the world had the audacity to create such a beguiling atmosphere while I faced my worst fear.

I heard footsteps behind me appear from an alleyway and soon I was surrounded by guards. They wore fluorescent silk blue Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) that sparkled in the light of candles.  Elaborate gold sheaths at their side held sharp swords which they grabbed and brandished at me. The handle was shaped into the head of a fierce dragon which glared menacingly at me. I was caught. I was the daughter of a palace rebel.

I jolted with a start. My vision came into focus and I stared at the cold, grey ceiling of woven wooden strips. Uncontrollable hot tears streamed down my flushed cheeks. My heart hammered in my chest.