"A-Yan…" Yunyi's voice came out soft and unsteady like she couldn't quite believe he was truly there.
She stood at the entrance, elegant as ever, clad in flowing robes, her pale hair catching the lantern light in a way that mirrored his own.
Jun Shengyi glanced between them, something clicking into place. "Oh… I almost forgot, you two are—"
She didn't finish.
A sudden, ominous purple glow ignited in Ningyan's eyes and spilled outward in a pulse, wrapping around his body like a living flame.
He rose slowly to his feet.
The movement alone was enough to make the servants retreat, unease flashing across their faces as his presence pressed against the room.
Yunyi's breath caught. Her orange eyes widened, glassy with forming tears.
He hadn't spoken but it was enough. It was more than enough.
"I'm sorry," she said, her voice trembling as she stepped forward.
The energy around him surged violently.
She gasped and stopped immediately, unable to take another step. "A-Yan…"
