After Feng Lihan left, the room felt too quiet.
Lin Yue sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the door long after it closed. His wrist still tingled where Feng Lihan had held him, warmth spreading beneath his skin like embers that refused to die out.
At first, he thought it was just lingering emotion.
Then the heat came.
It bloomed suddenly—starting deep in his core, sharp and overwhelming, rushing through his veins like fire. Lin Yue gasped, gripping the bedframe as his breathing turned shallow. His vision blurred, sweat forming almost instantly along his temples.
"No… not now…"
His body trembled. The air felt thick, suffocating. Every breath carried a faint scent—his own omega pheromones, sweet and unmistakable, slipping out of his control.
His heat had started.
Lin Yue bit his lip hard, pain grounding him for a moment. In this world, omega heat was dangerous—especially within a beast clan. Scent alone could draw unwanted attention, provoke instincts that even disciplined warriors struggled to suppress.
And Feng Lihan—
The thought of him sent another wave crashing through Lin Yue's body.
He staggered to his feet, fumbling for the suppression herbs stored in a small wooden box. His fingers shook too badly. The lid slipped, herbs scattering across the floor.
"Damn it…"
His legs gave out. Lin Yue sank to his knees, chest heaving. His skin burned, overly sensitive, every brush of fabric unbearable. He curled inward, trying to contain both the heat and the fear clawing up his spine.
If anyone smells this…
A knock sounded at the door.
Lin Yue froze.
"Lin Yue?" Feng Lihan's voice came from outside—low, sharp with concern. "I felt something wrong."
Of course he did.
As an alpha, Feng Lihan would sense it immediately.
"Don't—" Lin Yue forced out, voice breaking. "Don't come in."
The scent had already betrayed him.
The door opened anyway.
Feng Lihan stepped inside—and stopped dead.
The air was saturated now, thick with omega heat. Lin Yue was kneeling on the floor, eyes unfocused, skin flushed, breathing uneven. One look was enough.
Feng Lihan's pupils darkened instantly, his jaw tightening as he fought his instincts.
what happened with you...
Lin Yue hugged himself, shaking. "I tried to stop it. I swear I did. Please—leave. Before this gets worse."
Feng Lihan closed the hut door behind him with deliberate care, sealing the room. He leaned his forehead briefly against the wood, inhaling slowly, forcing control back into his body.
When he turned, his expression was no longer look like he is feng lihan
It was that of an alpha fighting himself.
"I won't touch you," Feng Lihan said firmly, stepping back to give Lin Yue space. "Not unless you ask."
Lin Yue laughed weakly, tears slipping from the corners of his eyes. "You say that like I'm thinking clearly."
Feng Lihan crouched several steps away, keeping distance, grounding his presence rather than looming. "Then listen instead. Focus on my voice."
Lin Yue looked up despite himself.
"I'll guard this room," Feng Lihan continued. "No one will enter. No one will smell you. You're safe."
Another wave hit Lin Yue, stronger than before. He cried out softly, clutching at his sleeve. "It hurts…"
Feng Lihan's hands curled into fists at his sides.
"I know," he said quietly. "Tell me what you need."
Lin Yue swallowed, shame and desire tangling painfully in his chest. In his previous world, heat had meant exploitation. Loss of control. Being reduced to instinct.
Here… the danger wasn't the heat itself.
It was the man kneeling before him, choosing restraint when instinct screamed otherwise.
"…Stay," Lin Yue whispered. "Please. Just—don't leave."
Feng Lihan didn't hesitate. "I'm here.