*Runze's POV*
Using every ounce of strength I have, I plant both hands against Bael's chest and give him a sharp, desperate shove.
He barely shifts an inch, but the suddenness of the move catches him off guard just long enough for me to scramble backward off the desk. I nearly lose my balance climbing down, one hand instinctively covering my stomach while the other snatches my vibrating phone off the smooth surface in one fluid motion.
Retreating a few quick steps across the room until a safe distance separates us, I press a hand to my chest, taking a deep breath to steady my racing heart before sliding my thumb across the screen.
"Ling Yue!" I call out, unable to keep the sheer relief out of my voice. "Ling Yue, where are you?"
Silence stretches over the line for a long moment. Only faint, ragged breathing answers me.
