The faint glow of the candles flickered as the wind rattled the loose panes of the apartment's windows. Qin paced the length of the small room, his thoughts a tangled mess of confusion and exhaustion. Every time he closed his eyes, the sight of the Shades, their glowing eyes and twisted forms, filled his mind. He felt the System's lingering presence too, a quiet hum at the back of his thoughts, as if it was waiting for something.
Behind him, the quiet argument between Zhao Yue and Feng Lan continued. Their voices were low but sharp, the tension between them thick enough to cut.
"This isn't a game, Lan," Zhao said, her tone cold. "Stop playing with him. He's already overwhelmed."
"Oh, please," Feng Lan replied, her voice dripping with mockery. "I'm just keeping things interesting. Not everyone is as stone-faced and boring as you, Zhao Yue."
"I'm serious," Zhao snapped. "He's new to all this. He needs time to adjust."
"And what better way to adjust than with a little... distraction?" Feng Lan countered, her tone shifting to something playful, almost sultry. "You should try it sometime. It might help with that permanent scowl of yours."
Qin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Could you two stop talking about me like I'm not standing right here?"
Feng Lan's lips curled into a sly smile as she turned to face him. "Oh, don't be shy, Qin. We're just trying to decide how best to handle you."
"Handle me?" he repeated, incredulous.
"Lan..." Zhao's warning tone carried a clear edge.
"What?" Feng Lan said innocently, taking a slow step toward Qin. Her amber eyes glimmered in the candlelight, and her movements were deliberate, almost predatory. "He's not a child. He can make his own choices."
"Choices about what?" Qin asked, his voice faltering as she closed the distance between them.
"About how far he's willing to go," Feng Lan said, her voice dropping to a whisper. She reached out, her fingers brushing against his chest, tracing a line over his shirt. "You're in a dangerous world now, Qin. Strength, trust, loyalty—they're all currency. The question is, what are you willing to trade for them?"
His breath hitched at her touch, his mind racing. The air between them felt charged, the tension crackling like static electricity. He glanced at Zhao Yue, who was watching the scene with a mixture of irritation and something else—something harder to define.
"Lan, stop," Zhao said, stepping forward. "This isn't the time or place."
"Why not?" Feng Lan asked, tilting her head. Her gaze never left Qin's face. "You've felt it, haven't you? That spark of power the System gave you? It's intoxicating, isn't it?"
Qin swallowed hard, his thoughts a blur. "I... I don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh, I think you do," she said, her voice like velvet. She leaned closer, her lips hovering near his ear. "You're stronger than you realize. And if you let me, I can show you just how far that strength can take you."
Qin's pulse raced, his body reacting despite his better judgment. But just as quickly as the moment had escalated, Zhao Yue's hand shot out, gripping Feng Lan's wrist and pulling her back.
"That's enough," Zhao said firmly, her eyes blazing with anger. "You're not helping."
Feng Lan sighed dramatically, pulling her arm free. "Fine. Spoilsport."
Zhao turned to Qin, her expression softening slightly. "Are you okay?"
"I... yeah, I'm fine," he said, though his voice lacked conviction.
"You don't have to listen to her," Zhao said, her tone gentler now. "Lan likes to push boundaries, but you don't have to play along."
"I wasn't—" Qin began, but Zhao raised a hand to stop him.
"It's fine," she said. "Just... don't let her get under your skin."
"I'm right here, you know," Feng Lan said, rolling her eyes. "You two act like I'm some kind of villain."
"Maybe because you act like one," Zhao shot back.
Qin sighed, feeling like a pawn caught between two queens. "Look, I appreciate both of you trying to... help, or whatever this is. But can we focus on the bigger picture? Like the fact that monsters are trying to kill me?"
Zhao nodded, her expression serious once more. "You're right. We need to keep moving. The tower is still a long way, and this safehouse won't protect us for long."
Feng Lan shrugged, her playful demeanor returning. "Fine, fine. Let's get going, then. But don't think this conversation is over, Qin. You've got potential, and I intend to see it through."
As they prepared to leave, Qin couldn't shake the feeling that the night had only just begun. The tension between the three of them was palpable, and the stakes were higher than ever. But amidst the chaos and uncertainty, a small part of him couldn't deny the thrill of it all—the danger, the power, and the sparks flying in every direction.
He had no idea where this path would lead, but one thing was certain: there was no turning back now.