I stand at the edge of the bamboo forest, the wind whispering through the tall stalks like secrets long buried. The Green Destiny is gone—lost to the waterfall, then reclaimed by Jen, only to be taken again by Jade Fox. My body is heavy, the poison spreading from the dart’s wound. I know I’m dying.

Shu Lien holds me, her face a mask of pain she’s spent a lifetime concealing. All these years, we’ve spoken in glances, in silence, in the space between sword strikes. We’ve honored Meng Sizhao’s memory, upheld our vows, lived by the code.

But now, with my breath fading, I can no longer stay silent.

"Shu Lien," I say, my voice barely above a whisper, "after all this time… I can’t keep my feelings inside. I love you. I have always loved you."

Her eyes fill with tears, but she doesn’t look away. For the first time, she lets herself be seen—fully, completely.

Jen returns with the antidote, but it’s too late. She falls to her knees, sobbing. Shu Lien looks at her, then at me, and in that moment, forgiveness passes between them.

As my vision darkens, I hear Shu Lien whisper, "Go to Lo. Be free."

The last thing I feel is her hand in mine.

Now, Jen stands at the mountain’s edge. Lo waits behind her. The mists swirl below.

What will she choose?