Immortal Longing

Chapter 12: The Sanctuary of Silent Flames

Later that day, Fu Gui led Mei Lin toward a quiet, hidden place among the mountains — an ancient sanctuary known only to the chosen few.

The steps were carved into the stone, and at their end stood a scorched wooden gate, flanked by two statues — a dragoness and a phoenix. Mei Lin felt a strange flutter in her chest as she looked at them.

"This place," Fu Gui murmured, "is called the Sanctuary of Silent Flames. It was built to honor the Phoenix Queen — a goddess who ruled not through force, but through light."

Mei Lin swallowed. "Why... why bring me here?"

He turned to her, his eyes holding an unusual gentleness. "Because I think this place might remember you."

Inside, the air shimmered with ancient energy. Lotus-shaped lanterns floated midair, lighting a path toward a shrine carved in dark obsidian. On the shrine, the same phoenix symbol from her hairpin glowed faintly.

As Mei Lin stepped closer, soft flames rose beneath her feet — warm, but not burning. The shrine responded to her presence as if recognizing her.

She reached out, and the flames spiraled gently around her wrist like a bracelet.

"Only she could awaken the seal," Fu Gui whispered, his voice barely audible.

Mei Lin's lips parted, her breath uneven. "You think I'm her."

"I don't think," he said quietly. "I know."

She turned to him, eyes wide and uncertain. "But… I don't remember."

He took a single step forward. "Your soul remembers. And in time… your heart will too."