She wasn't about to fool herself into thinking such warmth could last, not here, not now. Still, she let Fluffy bask in the attention, watching quietly as her companions welcomed the little creature.
The so-called leader was watching too, though his smile never faltered. She could see the flicker of calculation in his eyes, the way he measured Fluffy's unusual presence and her calm demeanor. He was already wondering how best to use them for his camp's image.
Ling Yu met his gaze coolly, her expression unreadable.
Let him think what he wanted. She had survived one lifetime of his tricks, seen the cracks beneath the honeyed words. This time, she wasn't here to play his game. She was here for Song, Nie Ziyu, Ye Qingxue, and to prepare for what she knew was coming.
