Night deepened over the camp.
Mo Ying stepped out of the tent, the flap falling closed behind him. The cool breeze brushed past him, but his chest still felt heavy.
He walked without thinking.
His footsteps slowed when he passed the Crown Prince's tent.
Soft voices came from inside.
"Sit still," the Crown Prince said gently. "You're injured."
Lin Xu sighed.
"I'm fine. Really. You don't have to hover."
"You nearly fell into a snake pit."
"That wasn't my plan."
"Regardless," he replied calmly, "you're still being taken care of."
There was a pause.
Then—
"Does it still hurt?"
"A little," Lin Xu admitted.
"Then don't move."
"…You're treating me like a child."
"Good."
Mo Ying stopped outside.
For a moment he simply stared at the lantern-lit tent.
He didn't go in.
He didn't speak.
He just stood there…
Then turned away.
His footsteps faded into the night.
Inside the tent…
Lin Xu felt an odd tug in her chest.
