Lian finished changing Bai Ye's clothes and sat down beside him on the wide bed. He ran a hand through his hair, cursing softly as his mind drifted back to the events of the day.
What had happened? Why did he black out? Did Jian Wushi's sword really have that much power over him?
The truth was, Lian didn't remember anything from the moment he transformed into a monster. It was as if his mind had shut down, refusing to acknowledge the horror of what he had become.
The more Lian tried to think about it, the more his head spun. He felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, and he closed his eyes, willing the pain to subside.
Mochen's soft knock on the door broke the silence. "Lian, you can go to your room now," he said gently.
Lian's eyes snapped open, his gaze locking onto Mochen's. "No," he said, his tone low and slightly possessive. "I'll stay here."
Mochen's eyes widened, but he quickly recovered. "I didn't mean any harm, Lian. I just thought you might be more comfortable sleeping in your own bed."
Lian's gaze never wavered. "I'm fine here," he repeated, his voice firm.
Mochen nodded slowly, his eyes darting to Bai Ye's still form before returning to Lian's face. "Alright, Lian. If you need anything, just call out."
With that, Mochen turned and left, closing the door softly behind him.
Lian's gaze lingered on the door, his mind still reeling with questions. But as he turned back to Bai Ye, he felt a strange sense of calm wash over him.
He reached out, his hand brushing against Bai Ye's, and felt a jolt of electricity run through his body.
What is happening to me?
The questions swirled in Lian's mind, but his exhaustion eventually got the better of him. With one last gaze at Bai Ye, Lian's eyelids drooped, and he fell into a deep sleep.
As the morning sun rose, its rays streaming through the window, Lian slowly came awake. He stretched, arching his back, and yawned. But as he sat up, he realized that someone had opened the window. Mochen, no doubt.
Lian's scowl deepened. Why did Mochen always have to interfere? Couldn't he just leave things alone?
But as Lian swung his legs over the side of the bed, his hand brushed against the empty space beside him. His heart skipped a beat. Where was Bai Ye?
Panic set in as Lian scrambled out of bed, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Had Bai Ye disappeared into dust, as demons supposedly did when they died?
Lian's imagination ran wild with ridiculous possibilities. Maybe Bai Ye had been kidnapped by mischievous spirits? Or perhaps he had wandered off to find some rare, magical herbs?
Just as Lian was about to rush out and demand answers from Mochen, he spotted a figure standing by the window, gazing out at the garden. The morning sunlight danced through Bai Ye's long, white hair, casting an ethereal glow around him.
Lian's face lit up with a wide smile as he rushed over to Bai Ye, throwing his arms around him in a tight hug. "Old monster, you scared me to death!" he exclaimed, relief washing over him.
Bai Ye chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he patiently endured Lian's enthusiastic hug.
As Lian pulled back, his face still flushed with excitement, he asked, "Do demons really fade away when they die? Like, poof, into dust?"
Bai Ye shook his head, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "No, Lian. We don't fade away that easily."
Lian's grin returned, and he playfully rolled his eyes. "Of course not. You're far too stubborn for that, old monster."
Bai Ye's lips curved into a gentle smile, and he reached out to ruffle Lian's hair. "Good morning, Lian."
Lian's heart skipped a beat at the tender gesture, and he felt his face grow hot with a flush. "Good morning, Bai Ye," he replied, his voice softer than usual.
Lian's hug tightened around Bai Ye, refusing to let go. "Bai Ye, don't scare me like that. Who's the person you were fighting with? " he asked, his voice muffled against Bai Ye's chest.
Bai Ye chuckled, his hands gently prying Lian's arms apart. "He's just someone I have a score to settle with," he said, his voice low and soothing. "But right now, I don't want to think about it."
Lian's face scrunched up in concern. "Old monster, promise me something," he said, his voice serious.
Bai Ye's lips curved into a smile, though Lian couldn't see it. "What do you want me to promise, little one?" he asked, his tone playful.
Lian's grip on Bai Ye's robes tightened. "Old monster, if you get into situations like this again, just run away! You can run away and leave the fight for another day."
Bai Ye's smile faltered, surprised by Lian's request. But he nodded, his expression solemn. "I promise, Lian."
As Bai Ye spoke, Lian finally released his grip, though he still looked reluctant to let go. Bai Ye smiled wryly and said, "You can let go now, Lian. I'm not going anywhere."
But Lian refused to budge, still clinging to Bai Ye's robes. Just then, Mochen's voice called out from outside the room, "Breakfast is ready! Come and eat!"
Bai Ye's eyes sparkled with amusement as he gently pried Lian's hands apart. "Shall we go, Lian?" he asked, his tone teasing.
Lian's face scrunched up in a pout, clearly annoyed that Mochen had interrupted their moment again. But he said nothing, following Bai Ye out of the room with a sulky expression.
As they walked to the dining hall, Bai Ye cast a sidelong glance at Lian, puzzled by the younger man's behavior. He couldn't understand why Lian seemed so... possessive. But he pushed the thought aside, focusing on the breakfast ahead.
Little did Bai Ye know, Lian's feelings of possessiveness would only continue to grow stronger.
Sitting at the table, Lian's frustration grew with each passing moment. Without touching his food, he abruptly stood up, crossed his arms, and announced, "I'm going back to my room."
Mochen's eyes widened in surprise. "But Lian, you haven't even touched your food. Is everything alright?"
Lian's expression remained stoic. "Nothing's wrong," he muttered, adjusting his robes before turning to leave.
As he entered his room, Lian felt his annoyance boil over. He was furious, but he didn't know why. Why was he feeling so possessive of Bai Ye? It was maddening, and Lian couldn't explain it.
He sat down on the bed, crossing his legs and arms, his face scrunched up in a deep frown with his eyes closed. Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Bai Ye slipped inside, closing the door behind him and locking it with a soft click.
Lian's eyes snapped open, his gaze locking onto Bai Ye's calm face. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with tension.
Bai Ye's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Lian, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice soft and soothing.
Lian's scowl deepened, his eyes flashing with irritation. But he said nothing, his silence a clear indication that he was still simmering with anger.
Bai Ye's smile never wavered. He walked over to the bed, his movements calm and deliberate, and sat down beside Lian.
For a long moment, they just sat there, the silence between them a living, breathing thing.