With Fuhan's help, Lin Xu carefully lifted Mo Ying from the ground. He didn't wake. His hand only tightened faintly in her sleeve, as if afraid she might disappear.
They walked slowly through the silent camp.
The torches burned low.
The night breeze was cool.
When they reached the spare tent, Fuhan gently opened the flap for her. Lin Xu guided Mo Ying inside and helped him lie down on the bed.
He looked exhausted.
Pale.
His brows still faintly furrowed, even in sleep.
Fuhan bowed slightly.
"I'll stand guard outside. Please… call me if you need anything."
Lin Xu nodded softly.
"Thank you."
The flap closed.
Silence filled the tent.
Only the faint sound of breathing remained.
Lin Xu knelt beside the bed and slowly removed Mo Ying's outer robe. She moved gently, careful not to wake him. She placed his sword aside. Then she brushed the strands of hair away from his face.
He looked younger like this.
Less like a fearsome general.
More like a tired, wounded man.
