Lie Lang's gaze remained fixed on the courtyard below.
The evening breeze moved gently through the branches, carrying the soft rustle of leaves across the rooftops. Down by the pond, Xue Yao stood in silence for another moment before wiping the water from her face. She looked at the remaining Dragon Golden Fish one last time, her expression carrying a guilt that had not been there before, then slowly turned and walked back toward her room.
The courtyard became quiet after the door closed behind her.
The Grand Alpha remained quiet, waiting for his answer. He simply stood nearby with his hands clasped behind his back, the corner of his lips into an unreadable smile.
Only after Xue Yao had disappeared inside her room did Lie Lang finally speak. "No."
The Grand Alpha's smile remained unchanged. "Hm."
The sound had barely left his lips when the air around them suddenly froze.
