Wei Liang was on the second attacker in a heartbeat, driving him back before another strike could land, but Tao was already down, blood spreading fast across the table.
"Cixi's hit," Garrow shouted, and Wei Liang saw her stumble, clutching her side, the blade meant for Tao having caught her instead.
Liu Che dropped the third attacker fast, then the first, both crumpling to the floor unconscious. The whole fight ended in seconds, but Wei Liang's chest was tight with something worse than adrenaline as he turned back to the table.
Tao's breathing was shallow, blood soaking through his robe. "Leave me," he managed, voice weak. "Help her instead."
"Both," Wei Liang said, tearing cloth to press against Cixi's wound first, since Shen Yue wasn't here to guide him.
Cixi gripped his arm hard, h
