The collective gasp that rippled through the square was sharp enough to cut through the heavy, spice-laden air. The celebratory atmosphere vanished in an heartbeat, replaced by a chaotic, buzzing tension as Lin Wan's limp body was gathered into the powerful arms of Long Zhan.
The Dragon Lord did not hesitate; he moved with a fluid, terrifying efficiency, scooping her up in a princess-style carry that made her appear small and fragile against his massive obsidian frame.
Her head lolled against his shoulder, the star-blue flower in her hair finally falling to the dirt, forgotten in the panic.
Bax, whose body was still battered and coated in the dust of his recent defeat, dragged himself to his feet with a pained groan.
He stumbled toward Long Zhan, his breath coming in ragged gulps. "Lord Zhan... please," Bax wheezed, clutching his bruised ribs. "I will show you the way to her house. It is near the eastern slope. I can lead you there immediately."
