By midday, the mist had thinned, revealing the full sprawl of Feng Lihan's clan grounds.
After talking with chief,Lin Yue had been officially settled into the guest quarters—no objections, no questions. The clan members passed him with open curiosity, but none challenged his presence. Feng Lihan's word was law here.
It was as it should be.
Yet unease lingered.
A horn sounded from the eastern watchtower—low, sharp, unmistakable.
Feng Lihan's steps halted.
"That's a border signal," one of the guards muttered. "Visitors."
Layla stiffened. "From which side?"
"The Ashridge path."
Feng Lihan's expression darkened slightly. "The Black Wolf Clan."
Lin Yue felt it then—a subtle shift in the air, like the forest holding its breath.
"They're not welcome here," Layla said quickly. "They haven't been since last winter."
"Which is exactly why they're here," Feng Lihan replied.
The visiting party arrived under armed escort.
At their center rode a tall man clad in dark furs, silver rings piercing his ears and a wolf-tooth necklace resting against his chest. His gaze swept the clan grounds with open scrutiny.
Chief Korran of the Black Wolf Clan.
His eyes stopped—locked—on Lin Yue.
And stayed there.
"Well," Korran said with a slow smile, dismounting. "So the rumors were true."
Feng Lihan stepped forward immediately, positioning himself half a step in front of Lin Yue.
"Korran," he said coolly. "You cross into my clan's territory without invitation."
Korran laughed. "Relax. I came to talk. Not fight."
His gaze slid past Feng Lihan again. "Though I see you've picked up something… interesting."
Layla bristled. "Mind your words."
Korran ignored her. His eyes narrowed slightly. "That one doesn't belong to any land I recognize."
Lin Yue met his stare evenly. "Then your knowledge is limited."
A flicker of surprise crossed Korran's face—followed by amusement.
"He speaks," Korran said. "And without fear."
Feng Lihan's voice hardened. "Lin Yue is a member of my clan. Acknowledged and protected. Your interest is neither needed nor welcome."
Korran raised his hands mockingly. "Easy. I only came with a warning."
"About what?"
Korran leaned closer, lowering his voice just enough to be heard.
"There are clans beyond mine who are watching you, Feng Lihan. Watching him." His eyes flicked once more to Lin Yue. "Strangers with no past tend to attract attention. Dangerous attention."
Layla's face paled. "Are you threatening us?"
Korran straightened. "I'm advising you."
He mounted his horse again, smirking. "Keep him close. Or someone else will take an interest."
With that, the Black Wolf Clan turned and disappeared back into the forest.
Silence followed.
Lin Yue exhaled slowly. "It seems I bring trouble."
Feng Lihan turned to him instantly. "No."
His hand came to rest briefly at Lin Yue's back—protective, grounding.
"Anyone who looks at you as prey," Feng Lihan said quietly, "will learn very quickly how wrong they are."
Layla watched the interaction, her chest tightening.
This wasn't the gentle familiarity she knew.
This was something else.
And for the first time, she understood—
Lin Yue wasn't just passing through Feng Lihan's life.
He was already standing at its center.