Page 166 of Cruel Devotion

The helicopter banked gently, bringing the palace into full view.

Its splendor was undeniable.

I didn't want to say it aloud but the palace looked like it leaped right out of one of the martial arts movies I had seen as a child.

I tried to think of the name.

I just remembered the story dealt with dueling emperors.

Pressure built in my chest as I tried to take it all in.

Actually, it wasn't a palace. . .it was more like a massive complex. A cascade of tiered buildings, each adorned with sky blue and gold and upturned eaves.

A lake stood in front of it. The Palace's reflection on the calm body of water below was so precise, so pristine, that it was hard to tell where the real Palace ended and the mirrored image began.

It was crazy but I almost fucking cried from the beauty.

Lowering a little, the helicopter continued forward and I saw what looked to be a large group of monks in dark blue robes, praying near the palace.

The whir of the helicopter blades became a backdrop to my racing thoughts as Lei spoke, “This is Blue Phoenix.”

“It's like it's straight out of a dream.”

“My father got the idea from one of his favorite movies,Dance of the Phoenix Blade.”

I chuckled.

Yes. That's the movie.

As we got to the back of this massive palace, the helicopter began its gentle descent, gliding towards a helipad nestled near.

I was met with the sight of a line of people wearing sky-blue clothes and white gloves.

Uh. . .who are they?

I counted twenty people—men and women.

The rotors slowed, and the helicopter touched down.

Lei tenderly squeezed my hand. “Ready to go inside?”

I should have been, but I was actually pretty terrified.

“Monique?”

I gulped. “I'm ready.”

“Good.” Lei let go of my hand.

The doors slid open, and a wave of fresh air infused with the scent of flowers swept into the cabin.

Oh shit. This is crazy.

We undid our seat belts and rose.

Here we go.

Lei grabbed my hand and we stepped onto the helipad.

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