Late into the night, Susu woke to the loud commotion outside her tent. It took her a few moments before she recognized the sound of a battle. She panicked thinking that the enemies are outside. Before she rushed out, someone rushed inside the tent and stopped her. With hand over her lips, Susu looked up to see familiar dark purple eyes staring at her. Zhu Cang did not want her to go outside, so he pulled her to the back corner of the tent.

"Zhu gongzi"

Hidden in the shadows, Zhu Cang protectively held onto Susu.

"Let my grandfather handle it"

Zhu Cang held onto her head, pressing her into his beating heart. Surprisingly, Zhu Cang was calm with his heart beating steadily despite the commotion outside. Hearing his heart beat, Susu own heart calmed. In silence, Susu listened onto the battle outside, hearing the fierce sound of sword clashing.

"To dare infiltrate my grounds like common thieves? Do not let any of these rogue live!"

Commander voice shook the entire ground. Susu never heard such an angry voice from the normally playful Commander so she unconsciously held onto Zhu Cang's robe. Susu buried her face into Zhu Cang's chest as she fought back her tears. Just like when her parents fought for their lives, all she could do is hide. Because she was still a child - still weak, she had to depend on others to save her. The bitter feeling overwhelm her to the point of suffocation.

"They're only thieves" Zhu Cang voice broke through her conflicted mind. "They're not here for you"

Susu eyes looked up into Zhu Cang, seeing his dark gaze like stars in the darkness night. Was he trying to comfort her?

"Susu, Cang"

Soon, Commander Zhu entered the tent in search for his grandson and Susu.

"To scare you like this" Commander Zhu sighed softly when he saw Susu's nervous expression. "It seem our army is lacking in many ways"

Susu wanted to say something but her voice was stuck at her throat.

"So your reputation is like that old man" Zhu Cang smirked at his grandfather. "Even common thieves are bold enough to infiltrate your ground"

The old man snorted to his grandson insults. It also did not escape his eyes that Susu is holding onto his grandson robe tight. Just as he was about to tease the little girl, his grandson shot him a deadly look, daring him to say single word.

"You two stay here while I have the field cleaned" The old man coughed before he left the tent.

Zhu Cang eyes soften when he saw how the little girl was holding onto his robe. She looked lost and confused.

"Susu can't stay here"

Zhu Cang heard the slight panic in her soft voice. He frowned when the girl let go of his robe. But before she could run away, he already had tight hold of her hand.

"Where are you going?"

Susu was surprised at his tight hold on her hand.

"Do you think the Zhu army is weak?"

Susu shook her head.

"If they know Susu is here_"

"What can they do if they know?"

Susu was startled with Zhu Cang confident tone.

"If they're foolish enough to attack, they'll end up like those thieves outside"

Susu knew that Commander Zhu was protecting her when he shouldn't. The issues between the Lei and the Bai sectors - Susu didn't want to involve the Commander's people. Even though they are strong, they shouldn't have to risk their lives for an outsider like her.

"I told you before"

Susu was surprised when she felt Zhu Cang warm hand against her cheek. The older boy stood taller than her and was stronger than her, but he held her cheek with such gentleness that it confuses her heart.

"Know your limits, as you are now, you'll die if you try to fight on your own"

"But Susu can't cause trouble to_"

"No one said you're causing trouble"

"You already gave the crest to that old man. Until the very end, let him fulfill his part"

Susu looked up at the older boy when she felt his thumb stroking the beauty mark under her left eye. The touch had comforted her heart.

"If you allow yourself to die now, how will you answer to the people who protected you?"

The reminder of her parents made her eyes filled but she refused to let a single tear fall. When Zhu Cang hand wrapped around her head and he pulled her into his chest, Susu gripped onto the back of his robe.

"Be good and let us protect you"

Susu couldn't say a word as she held onto the older boy tighter.