( Perhaps a better man might slow his step in the face of causing the woman clear, natural disadvantage — )

Lying is forbidden.

( But then, Yelena is no child to require transport, no hapless maiden to beg a hand in help. And teasing ever suits two.

An alarm, at distance. He anticipates an obstacle course, hardships at every turn — but finds the wet of the corridor remarkably banal, footing slick and drooled, but steady. In the end, the alarm is a bell, hung slack and rickety off a frayed rope, and Lan Wangji nearly turns to ask Yelena, You are certain?

Never mind the four men playing cards, backs turned to them, who mutter about the poor luck of their latest draw — yet to notice them. )