A palace stood tall, its sweeping roofs curving skyward like a crow's wings. The walls were painted in gold and black, accentuated with purple carvings of crows flying around majestic trees. Wide courtyards filled with pebbled paths and giant fish ponds surrounded the central hall, where massive wooden doors opened to reveal numerous pathways.
Delicate windows cast intricate shadows on the polished marble floors, and silk lanterns hanging from carved beams and pillars bathed the space in its warm light.
At the heart of the palace, a garden flourished, its plum blossoms and bamboo groves swaying gently in the breeze coming from the open balcony.
However, this garden was empty. No, the entire palace was nearly empty.
Only the sign of guards could be seen.
At this moment, a black-robed woman appeared as she broke through the void and stepped out.
