Yan Shuo found Sheng Long in the private wing of the palace, away from the swirling chaos of the banquet.
The Marshal stood before an open window, arms crossed, his black uniform blending into the shadows. The moonlight carved his sharp features into something nearly inhuman — fierce, vigilant.
Yan Shuo didn't waste time. He knelt briefly, then rose to speak.
"The masked guest wore the House Emblem of the Fifth Prince," he said, voice low.
Sheng Long's eyes narrowed. "The Fifth Prince... ambitious, but until now, clean."
"Maybe too clean," Yan Shuo said. "Or maybe someone else is using his name."
Sheng Long nodded slowly. The trap was closing, but not cleanly — not yet.
"We continue the dance," Sheng Long murmured, turning his thoughts inward. "For now, no open accusations. Watch quietly."
"Yes, Marshal."
Yan Shuo hesitated, then smirked slightly. "Also... your fox was quite popular tonight."
Sheng Long's expression darkened. "I noticed."
Yan Shuo chuckled under his breath as he left.
Meanwhile, Xiao Lin had retreated to the quieter edges of the palace gardens, breathing easier away from the crowds.
He wandered through winding stone paths until he found a koi pond glittering under the stars.
He was alone — or so he thought.
"Out for some air?" Ren Yi's smooth voice drifted from the shadows.
Xiao Lin turned sharply, his instincts humming.
Ren Yi smiled, hands raised in mock innocence. "Apologies. I tend to wander."
Xiao Lin offered a polite nod but stayed three careful steps away. His heart still felt uneasy — not because Ren Yi was openly threatening, but because he was too polished, too quick to offer smiles.
"You're very good at hiding your strength," Ren Yi said casually. "Most wouldn't guess a beautiful ger like you could tame a dragon."
Xiao Lin stiffened slightly but covered it with a small smile.
"I'm still learning," he said. "And beauty doesn't tame dragons. Strength does."
Ren Yi laughed softly, genuine amusement in his voice. "Well said."
He didn't move closer, and Xiao Lin was quietly relieved.
"Maybe one day," Ren Yi said, "we can spar. I'd like to see your fox form."
"We'll see," Xiao Lin said lightly — but made no promises.
Politeness cost little. Trust cost everything.
Later that night, Xiao Lin returned to Sheng Long's private quarters, where the Marshal sat reviewing reports, a deep frown carved between his brows.
Without looking up, Sheng Long asked, "Did Ren Yi bother you?"
"No," Xiao Lin said honestly, sitting on a nearby cushion. "But I stayed cautious."
Sheng Long finally looked at him — and there was a flicker of approval in his eyes.
"You're learning," he said quietly. "The world isn't kind to foxes."
Xiao Lin smiled faintly. "I know."
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, the tension of the banquet falling away.
"Lu Jian and Yan Shuo will continue investigating the royal court," Sheng Long said finally. "But..."
"But what?"
Sheng Long's gaze darkened. "The Zerg have moved closer."
Xiao Lin tensed.
"And they know you can heal a beast nucleus."
Xiao Lin lowered his head, absorbing the weight of those words.
A target.
A weapon.
A threat.
He knew it already — but hearing it aloud made it real.
"I'll be ready," Xiao Lin said, voice steady.
Sheng Long studied him, then reached out — briefly, hesitantly — and ruffled his silvery hair.
"You're already stronger than you realize, Little Fox."
Xiao Lin flushed but didn't pull away.
He didn't notice the way Sheng Long's fingers lingered for a moment longer than necessary — or the way the Marshal's heart twisted, sharp and unfamiliar, inside his chest.
Far beyond the banquet, in the cold reaches of space, the Zerg Queen stirred in her cocoon of flesh and bone.
Her scouts had reported back.
The Healer had awakened.
And the Queen would not allow him to live.