The next morning, the capital's main gates were busy with the usual flow of merchants and travelers when a lone horse suddenly burst through at full gallop, forcing its way inside without slowing.
The guards shouted and raised their spears, sounding the alert bell. "Stop that horse!"
They managed to grab the reins and bring the exhausted animal to a halt. Tied tightly to its back was a small, unconscious girl — nine years old, filthy, painfully thin, her clothes torn and stained from months on the road. Her face was pale, lips cracked, and her small body hung limp against the saddle ropes.
One guard quickly cut the ropes and lifted the child down. "She's just a kid! Someone get a healer!"
The commotion drew a crowd. Adventurers who had been resting nearby rushed over to see what was happening. Luo Feng, who had been eating a simple breakfast in the guild hall, heard the bells and stepped outside with the others.
The moment his eyes fell on the small figure in the guard's arms, his heart stopped.
"Suki…?"
He pushed through the crowd, face pale, and took the unconscious girl from the guard's hands. "This is my wife's little sister!" he said urgently. "Please — I need help!"
Several adventurers and guild staff quickly cleared a path. Luo Feng carried Suki inside the guild to the small healing station. A guild healer rushed over, placing glowing hands on the child's frail body.
"Healing magic — restore her wounds and replenish her energy," the healer murmured.
Soft green light flowed over Suki. The cuts and bruises on her skin faded. Her breathing grew steadier. But when the healer pulled back, he shook his head sadly.
"She's no longer in immediate danger… but she's extremely malnourished and exhausted from hunger. She passed out from lack of food. She needs rest, water, and proper meals. I've done all I can with magic."
Luo Feng thanked the healer and gently carried Suki out of the guild. He took her straight to the Silver Lantern Inn — the same place he and Miya had stayed months ago. The innkeeper recognized him and quickly prepared the same quiet room.
For the next two days, Luo Feng never left her side. He sat beside the bed, feeding her small sips of water and broth whenever she stirred, wiping her forehead, and watching over her like a protective older brother. He barely slept.
On the morning of the third day, Suki's eyes finally fluttered open.
She looked around in confusion, then her gaze landed on Luo Feng sitting beside her bed. For a second she just stared, as if not believing what she saw.
Then she let out a broken sob and threw her thin arms around his neck, hugging him with all the strength her weak body could manage.
"Brother Feng…!" she cried, voice cracking.
She buried her face in his chest and started crying loudly — deep, heaving sobs that shook her entire small frame. The tears would not stop. She cried without pause, clinging to him as if letting go would make everything disappear again.
Luo Feng held her gently, one hand stroking her tangled hair, his own heart tightening with sudden dread.
"Suki… what happened?" he whispered, voice steady but filled with fear. "Where is everyone? Where is Miya?"
The little girl only cried harder, unable to speak yet, her tiny fists clutching his shirt as the nightmare of that terrible morning poured out in endless tears.