For a long moment after Shen Wuyan disappeared, the street remained silent.
The city resumed its rhythm slowly.
Cars passed.
People walked.
Streetlights glowed as if nothing supernatural had just happened.
Lin Yue stood frozen.
Her fingers were still gripping the edge of Mo Chen's sleeve.
"…He's gone?" she asked quietly.
"Yes," Mo Chen replied.
She exhaled slowly, tension leaving her shoulders.
Then she looked up at him.
"Who exactly was he?"
"A hunter," Mo Chen said calmly. "One of the strongest among the Supernatural Association."
"And he wants to kill you?"
"Yes."
He said it without emotion.
That somehow made it more frightening.
Lin Yue looked down at the cracked pavement where their powers had collided.
"…Because of me?"
Mo Chen's gaze shifted to her.
"You are not the cause."
"But I woke you."
"You did."
"Then—"
"You are not to blame."
His tone was firm.
For some reason, that reassured her.
They stood in silence for a few seconds.
Then suddenly—
Her stomach growled.
Loudly.
Mo Chen looked at her.
She covered her face.
"Don't look at me like that! I didn't eat properly!"
A faint curve touched his lips.
"This world revolves around food."
"Yes," she declared proudly. "Unlike ancient kings who survive on dramatic entrances."
He raised an eyebrow.
She stepped closer, lightly punching his arm.
"Let's go. We need to buy you proper clothes. You can't walk around looking like you came out of a historical drama."
Shopping Mall — Evening
The mall was bright and crowded.
Neon lights.
Music.
People everywhere.
Mo Chen stood still for a moment, observing everything.
"So many people," he murmured.
"Welcome to modern civilization," Lin Yue said dramatically.
She dragged him into a clothing store.
The sales assistant's eyes widened slightly when she saw him.
"Sir, this way please."
Lin Yue noticed the way the assistant smiled at him.
She narrowed her eyes slightly.
Why am I annoyed?
She shook the thought away.
"Try this," she said, handing him a simple black shirt and jeans.
He examined the fabric carefully.
"This lacks armor."
"It's casual wear!"
After a few minutes, he stepped out of the changing room.
Lin Yue looked up—
And forgot how to breathe for a second.
Black shirt.
Dark jeans.
Hair slightly messy.
He looked less like an ancient ruler.
And more like a dangerously handsome modern man.
"…Well?" he asked.
She blinked rapidly.
"It's… acceptable."
He studied her expression.
"You hesitate."
"I do not."
"You stared."
She turned away quickly.
"Shut up."
The sales assistant giggled quietly.
Lin Yue glared.
"We'll take it."
After paying, they walked out of the store.
Mo Chen held the shopping bag calmly.
"This era values appearance highly."
"Yes. First impressions matter."
He glanced at her.
"My appearance influences you."
Her steps faltered slightly.
"No."
"Yes."
She glared at him.
"You're very confident for someone who didn't know how to use a shower yesterday."
He actually laughed softly.
A low sound.
It surprised both of them.
Night Market
Instead of going home immediately, Lin Yue pulled him toward a nearby night market.
Colorful stalls lined the street.
Fried snacks.
Cotton candy.
Arcade machines.
"It's rare I finish a presentation successfully," she said cheerfully. "We're celebrating."
"You succeeded because of me," he said calmly.
She stopped walking.
Then looked at him seriously.
"…Thank you."
The words were softer this time.
"If you didn't help me last night… I would've embarrassed myself."
He watched her quietly.
"I merely corrected incomplete information."
"You stayed up to help."
Silence lingered.
Then she smiled.
"So tonight, I'm treating you properly."
They stopped at a game stall with shooting targets.
"Try," she challenged.
He picked up the toy gun.
Three shots.
Three perfect hits.
The stall owner stared.
"…Sir, please don't break the equipment."
Lin Yue burst into laughter.
"You're not allowed to use supernatural focus here!"
"I did not."
She rolled her eyes.
They won a small stuffed animal.
She held it proudly.
"Proof of our victory."
"Our?"
"You were under my management."
He looked at her fondly.
"You are very noisy."
"And you're very old."
He tilted his head.
"I appear younger than you."
She gasped.
"That's rude!"
He enjoyed teasing her.
It was becoming obvious.
The Road
They walked back toward her apartment under the city lights.
The air was cooler now.
Comfortable.
Neither spoke for a while.
The silence felt… peaceful.
Suddenly—
A motorcycle sped around the corner recklessly.
Too fast.
Too close.
Lin Yue didn't notice.
She stepped forward.
In an instant—
A strong arm pulled her backward.
Her body collided against Mo Chen's chest.
The bike rushed past, wind whipping her hair.
Her heart pounded violently.
His arm was wrapped tightly around her waist.
Holding her securely.
Too securely.
She looked up slowly.
Their faces were inches apart.
"You are careless," he murmured again.
Her heartbeat was so loud she was sure he could hear it.
"I… I didn't see…"
His grip loosened slightly.
But he didn't let go immediately.
The world around them felt blurred.
Just lights.
Noise.
And warmth.
For a brief second—
She didn't want him to let go.
She cleared her throat awkwardly.
"You saved me again."
"Yes."
"…You like saving me?"
"I dislike losing what belongs to me."
Her face heated instantly.
"I am not your property."
He leaned slightly closer.
"You are under my protection."
The way he said it—
Not controlling.
Not commanding.
But certain.
Her chest tightened in a way she couldn't explain.
They resumed walking, this time slower.
Without speaking—
She slipped her hand lightly into his.
Not gripping.
Just… touching.
He looked down briefly.
Then intertwined his fingers with hers.
Neither commented.
The night felt softer.
Warmer.
As if the world had shrunk to just the two of them.
Rooftop — Later
Before going inside, Lin Yue stopped on the rooftop.
The city stretched below.
Lights like scattered stars.
"That blue-eyed guy," she said quietly.
"He'll come again, right?"
"Yes."
She nodded slowly.
"I was scared."
He did not interrupt.
"But when you stood in front of me…"
She looked at him.
"…I wasn't anymore."
He held her gaze.
"You should not rely on me completely."
"I know."
She smiled slightly.
"But for tonight… I will."
The wind moved gently around them.
Mo Chen looked at the city.
At the ordinary world continuing without awareness.
Then at the girl beside him.
Strange.
He had once ruled over blood and darkness.
Now—
He stood under streetlights holding a human hand.
And did not wish to release it.
Far away—
On a distant rooftop—
Blue eyes watched the city skyline.
Waiting.
Calculating.
But tonight—
The Night Sovereign did not feel alone.
And Lin Yue—
For the first time—
Did not feel afraid of the night.
End of Chapter 10...