On the oversized bed in the bedroom, Ningguang lay flat on her back, eyes tightly shut, flushed lips slightly parted, both hands gripping the sheets.
Soft, breathless murmurs escaped her as her body trembled uncontrollably, a deep rosy hue blooming across her skin.
Lu Lin let out a low growl as well, holding himself steady before finally exhaling slowly.
This was their third time tonight.
The first two had been in the bathtub. The third returned to the bed.
Though it was Ningguang's first true night, Lu Lin's life-force healing quickly erased any minor discomfort, allowing their intimacy to continue without issue.
Still, three rounds had left her exhausted.
She was a mage, after all — not someone trained in martial disciplines like Hu Tao or Ganyu. Her stamina, though admirable, had limits.
As Lu Lin withdrew, she instinctively shifted slightly, leaving another damp imprint on the sheets.
Her usual elegance and regal composure had softened into something far more intoxicating — mature, radiant, and completely unguarded.
The sight stirred him instantly.
Yet when she sensed him ready again, she finally whispered in a softened tone:
"Lu Lin… can we rest a while?"
She had always been proud, never one to surrender easily. Even during the earlier moments, though overwhelmed, she had never begged.
But now, she yielded.
She had never asked anything of anyone in her life — except him.
Perhaps asking again wasn't so difficult anymore.
Lu Lin, though fiery, wasn't without tenderness. He restrained himself and pulled her into his arms, leaning back against the headboard, quietly savoring the warmth between them.
The proud Tianquan now rested against his shoulder, white hair cascading like silk.
After a moment, she asked softly:
"The night before the Rite of Descension… the sensations I felt all night. That was you, wasn't it?"
He grinned. "Of course."
"How?"
There was no longer any reason to hide things. He explained the concept of traits — the system that granted him abilities.
In a world where gods were real and miracles commonplace, such things were easier to accept.
"So you tricked me into residency just to use 'Telepathic Link' on me?" she asked, mock indignant.
"I needed to win your heart somehow. You were like iron at the start."
His hand rested over her chest again, gently stroking.
She muttered faintly, "You really are my undoing…"
His hand traced down her slender waist, resting at her hips. Compared to Hu Tao and Ganyu, Ningguang's figure was fuller, softer — and he found it endlessly captivating.
Then he leaned close again.
"I gave you another trait today."
"What is it?"
"It's called 'All Within Grasp.'"
All Within Grasp: Enhances perception, improves strategic foresight, and increases the bearer's capacity — in more ways than one.
She blinked.
The first half made perfect sense — it aligned naturally with her role as one of the Liyue Qixing. Enhanced insight would only sharpen her already formidable mind.
She felt touched by how thoughtfully he chose it.
Then he added quietly:
"Aren't you curious about the other effect?"
She hesitated.
He whispered something into her ear.
Her face flushed crimson.
"It… it can mean that too?"
"Let's test it," he teased softly. "For science."
She hesitated — but eventually nodded.
He shifted to sit at the edge of the bed.
She slid down gracefully onto the soft carpet, posture elegant even in vulnerability.
Kneeling before him, she lifted her hands instinctively, cupping him close — almost as if cradling something precious.
The warmth and closeness deepened the intimacy between them.
"Like this…?" she asked shyly.
"Just like that."
Under his patient guidance, her movements found rhythm — tentative at first, then smoother.
The room glowed softly in warm lamplight, her pale figure luminous against the night.
Neither of them noticed that the bedroom door had opened just a crack.
And a small purple-haired "cat" had peeked inside.