The next day, Bai Yue sat on the steps of her hut, a cup of cold tea in her hands, watching her daughter chase butterflies through the clearing.
Zhen's white hair streamed behind her like a banner, her purple eyes bright with laughter. Tao Zi followed close at her heels, the little jaguar cub's dark curls bouncing with each step. Behind them, the panther triplets had formed a chaotic perimeter, Miao Miao directing operations while A-Li and Xiao Hei pounced on imaginary threats.
"They've been at it for an hour," Han Shān said, appearing at Bai Yue's side. His voice was low, gruff, but there was warmth in it. "She hasn't stopped running once."
"Zhen never stops running," Bai Yue replied, smiling. "She gets it from you."
"I don't run."
"You ran from me for three months."
His ears went pink. "That was strategic retreat."
"Mmhmm."
A small sound came from behind them. Bai Yue turned.
