(meanwhile) the Spy nearly shits herself

among the unassuming passengers boarding further down the dock, Yelan moved like a ghost.

Her disguise was perfect — simple traveler’s clothes, dull hair, nothing that would draw attention. Her infiltration skills were unmatched. Not a single member of Aether’s party noticed her.

At first, she felt a quiet pang of disappointment as she finally laid eyes on him.

That’s the man who broke Ningguang? He looks… ordinary.

But then her gaze drifted past him… and locked onto Shenhe.

The tall, silver-haired woman was staring directly at her.

Blankly.

No expression. No movement.

Yet the moment their eyes met, a wave of pure, murderous bloodlust slammed into Yelan like a physical force. The hair on the back of her neck stood straight up. Cold sweat instantly formed on her skin. For a split second, she felt like prey that had been spotted by something far above her on the food chain.

Then Aether’s voice cut through the air.

“Alright, everyone. Let’s go check our lodgings together.”

The bloodlust vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Shenhe turned away without a word and followed Aether onto the ship, still carrying the heavy crates like they were nothing.

Yelan remained frozen in place for several seconds, heart pounding.

What the fuck was that…?

Shenhe hadn’t said a word to the others. She simply continued on as if nothing had happened.

Yelan forced herself to keep moving, blending back into the crowd of passengers, but her hands were still slightly trembling.

She had faced Fatui agents, Treasure Hoarders, and worse without flinching.

But whatever that woman was… it had just looked at her like she was already dead.