Zhao Kuan did not sleep that night.
By dawn, his decision was clear.
Tomorrow, he thought coldly, I will kill Lin Yue.
The next morning, the Hawk Clan prepared for a large hunt. Warriors gathered at the mountain gate, weapons secured, wings stretching beneath the rising sun. It was meant to be routine—a show of unity, strength, and stability under the new Acting Chief.
Feng Lihan stood at the front, issuing calm orders.
Lin Yue remained close by his side.
Zhao Kuan arrived late, blending into the group, his expression neutral. No one questioned his presence. After all, he was still a powerful warrior—defeated, but not exiled.
As the hunting party moved toward the forest, Zhao Kuan followed quietly from behind, eyes never leaving Lin Yue.
This is perfect, he thought. The jungle hides screams.
The forest swallowed them whole.
Tall trees blocked the sky, roots coiling like sleeping beasts beneath their feet. The scent of prey lingered thick in the air. Feng Lihan raised a fist, signaling the group to slow.
"Spread out," he ordered. "But stay within range."
His gaze shifted to Lin Yue, instinctively protective.
"There's danger ahead," Feng Lihan said quietly. "You stay here. Don't move. I'll check the area."
Lin Yue smiled faintly, trusting as always. "Alright. Be careful."
Feng Lihan hesitated—just for a breath—then nodded. With a powerful beat of his wings, he lifted into the air, disappearing beyond the treetops.
Zhao Kuan's lips curved slightly.
Now.
Lin Yue waited where he had been told, but the forest was restless. A strange sound echoed from the left—branches snapping, birds scattering.
Curiosity tugged at him.
Just a little closer, he thought.
He walked slowly, carefully, until the trees thinned and the land rose sharply. Before he realized it, Lin Yue stood near the edge of a rocky peak overlooking the valley below.
The wind was strong here, cold and sharp.
He wrapped his arms around himself, gazing at the view—unaware that death stood only steps behind him.
Zhao Kuan watched from the shadows, breath controlled, heart pounding with dark excitement.
He's alone.
He stepped forward silently, claws gripping his weapon.
One strike.
One push.
And it would all be over.
Feng Lihan will break, Zhao Kuan thought. And I will take everything.
A twig snapped under his foot.
Lin Yue froze.
He turned.
"Who's there?" he called.
Zhao Kuan stepped out of hiding, eyes gleaming with malice, a cruel smile spreading across his face.
"So careless," Zhao Kuan said softly. "You really shouldn't wander off alone."
Lin Yue's heart dropped.
"Zhao Kuan…?" he whispered, instinctively stepping back—too close to the cliff's edge.
The wind howled louder, as if warning him.
Zhao Kuan advanced slowly.
"Don't worry," he said, voice dripping with false kindness. "This will be quick."
High above the forest, Feng Lihan suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest.
He turned midair, eyes widening.
Lin Yue.
And far below, on the edge of the precipice, the trap finally close