Moonlight filtered softly through the forest canopy as Ling Tian and Xiao Ning'er sat side by side, leaning against the trunk of an ancient tree. The night was quiet now—too quiet after the chaos they'd left behind.
Ling Tian's hand was still clasped around hers, their fingers intertwined, neither of them willing to let go.
"You saved us back there," Xiao Ning'er said quietly, her voice a mix of exhaustion and awe. "That talisman…"
He smiled faintly, eyes on the dark horizon. "It bought us time. But Shen Yue won't stop. This was just his opening move."
Her jaw tightened. "Then we hit back. Harder."
Ling Tian turned, studying her profile in the silver light. The fierce determination in her eyes… the strength she carried, even now, despite everything. He reached out and gently brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"You're incredible," he murmured. "But we need a real plan. One that breaks Shen Yue's grip completely."
She leaned her head on his shoulder, her body finally allowing itself to relax.
"What are you thinking?" she asked, her breath warm against his neck.
"Expose him," Ling Tian said softly. "We need proof of his betrayal—something undeniable. Once the City Lord's Mansion sees it, even Shen Yue can't hide."
Xiao Ning'er's brow furrowed. "The Sacred Family keeps their darkest secrets locked tight."
His eyes glinted. "That's why we'll steal them."
A beat of silence… and then she smiled—a slow, dangerous smile.
"I like this plan."
They sat there a while longer, the adrenaline fading, replaced by something deeper—quiet, but powerful.
"I never thought," Xiao Ning'er whispered after a moment, "that I'd trust someone like this… rely on someone."
Ling Tian's grip on her hand tightened.
"You're not alone anymore," he said softly, echoing his promise from before. "Whatever comes next—we face it together."
She turned to look at him fully, eyes searching his.
And in that charged silence, neither of them moved away.
Their lips met—slow, lingering, full of everything words couldn't express. A kiss not just of desire, but of understanding… of unshakable trust.
When they finally parted, Ling Tian rested his forehead against hers, breathing her in.
"Rest tonight," he murmured. "Tomorrow, we hunt."
And beneath the endless stars, Xiao Ning'er closed her eyes, her heart beating in perfect rhythm with his.
4o