As the group adjusted to Lian Mei's presence, tensions began to rise. Zhao Yue was openly wary of the newcomer, while Su Lan remained cold and distant. Even Xia Ling seemed uncertain about Lian Mei's intentions.
One evening, as the group sat around the fire, Zhao Yue couldn't hold back any longer. "Why are we trusting her? She's an assassin! For all we know, she's leading us into a trap."
Lian Mei chuckled, unfazed by the hostility. "Believe me, princess, if I wanted him dead, he'd already be six feet under."
Zhao Yue's eyes flashed with anger, but before she could respond, Lin Tian stepped in. "Enough," he said firmly. "I don't care about your personal grudges. We're all here for the same reason—to stop the Abyssal Order. If you can't work together, then leave."
The group fell silent, Lin Tian's words cutting through the tension. Lian Mei smirked, while Zhao Yue looked away, her cheeks flushed with frustration.
Later that night, Lin Tian found Zhao Yue sitting alone, her arms wrapped around her knees. "I'm sorry," she said softly as he approached. "I just… I don't know how to handle all of this."
Lin Tian sat beside her, his expression gentle. "None of us do. But I need you to trust me, Yue. I won't let anything happen to you."
She looked at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You've changed so much, Lin Tian. I barely recognize you."
"Maybe that's a good thing," he said, his voice low. "The old me wasn't strong enough to protect anyone. But this time, I won't fail."
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away. Zhao Yue reached out, her hand brushing against his. "Just… don't leave me behind."
"I won't," Lin Tian promised, his voice firm.