She coughed and soon her lips were stained with blood.
"Guess… I should've… listened when you said the ravine felt wrong."
"Stop," he choked. "Please stop."
Her fingers trembled as they brushed his cheek.
"You have to live," she said softly. "You promised… to get strong."
Tears streamed down his face.
"I promised to go with you."
She displayed a sad and peaceful smile.
"Then… go further… for both of us."
Her hand slipped.
The light left her eyes.
---
Afterwards, the beasts were slain.
Barely.
Only three escorts survived.
The convoy was lost.
The ravine drank the rest.
Bai Feng knelt in the blood-soaked dirt, holding her body long after the danger passed.
No one spoke.
No one dared.
---
Back at the clan.
The elders' verdict was swift.
"Unforeseen variables."
"A tragic accident."
"No one is to speak of this further."
Lan Rui was posthumously blamed for breaking formation.
Bai Feng didn't argue.
He didn't scream.
He didn't cry.
Not anymore.
