Yu Zhen remained unconscious for two days.
Lian Xuan never left his bedside.
When Yu Zhen woke, he found the General seated beside him with dark circles under his eyes. One large hand rested on Yu Zhen's fingers, gripping as though he feared letting go would erase something irreplaceable.
"You stayed," Yu Zhen whispered.
"I nearly shattered the palace when you collapsed," Lian Xuan said softly. "Yes. I stayed."
Tenderness slipped past the Alpha's stoicism at last.
Yu Zhen lifted his hand and brushed Lian Xuan's cheek with shaking fingers.
"You always save me."
"And you always come back to me."
They stared at each other.
The moment deepened until Lian Xuan leaned forward slowly and captured Yu Zhen's lips again.
This kiss was deeper than their first.
Slower.
More emotional than urgent.
Yu Zhen melted into it, fingers clutching into black fabric, while Lian Xuan claimed nothing beyond what Yu Zhen willingly offered.
His arms curved around Yu Zhen's shoulders and back, drawing him closer until the heartbeat beneath his chest synced with Yu Zhen's own.
[SOUL THREAD SYNCHRONIZATION][AFFINITY LEVEL: SEVENTY-FIVE PERCENT]
When they finally parted, Yu Zhen remained against him, cheek resting at the crook of Lian Xuan's neck.
"You don't have to fight alone anymore," Yu Zhen said.
"I never have," Lian Xuan replied. "Not since I found you."
The Emperor's threat loomed still.
But neither of them feared it now.