The Ruins Beneath the Exam Hall

Bai Bingru keeps moving because standing still kills the power she uses to pass as human. One pause, and the hidden gift in her body goes dead. One mistake, and the scholars around her might notice that she is the kind of spirit beast they would tear apart for parts. She survives by smiling, bowing, and answering in the safest way possible. Then the exam hall starts pulling her into public duties, school trials, and court rituals that leave no room to hide. The one person who keeps noticing her lies is the man she should avoid most, and his kindness is harder to dodge than a blade.