Feng Lihan was restless.
The night passed without sleep, darkness clinging to him like a second skin. No matter how many times he closed his eyes, the same image returned—Lin Yue's body falling, silver hair flashing once before vanishing into the abyss. The sound of the wind still echoed in his ears, sharp and merciless.
You can't be gone, he thought bitterly. Not like that.
As dawn slowly broke, pale light washing over the mountains, Feng Lihan finally rose. His chest felt tight, his wings heavy with exhaustion and guilt. He stepped out of the cave, the cold morning air biting into his skin, determination hardening his expression.
He would search again.
Just as he was about to take flight, a familiar voice stopped him.
"Feng Lihan."
Layla stood a few steps away, her long hair stirred gently by the wind. Her expression was carefully composed, eyes filled with something that looked like concern—but Feng Lihan had learned to distrust such looks.
"Don't misunderstand me," Layla said softly, approaching him. "But falling from such a height… no one could survive that."
Feng Lihan's fists clenched.
"And even if he did," she continued, her voice lowering, "the mountains are full of wild beasts. If Lin Yue was alive… he wouldn't be anymore."
Her words struck like poison.
"Forget him," Layla said, stepping closer, her tone changing—warmer, deliberate. "I'm here. You're the Chief now. Why don't you choose me as your mate? Together, we could—"
"Enough."
Feng Lihan turned on her sharply, red wings flaring wide in warning. His eyes burned with fury, grief twisting into something far more dangerous.
"I know Lin Yue didn't fall by accident," he said coldly. "And I know you were nearby."
Layla froze, her breath catching.
"If I discover even the slightest proof that you had a hand in what happened," Feng Lihan continued, voice low and lethal, "I will not let it go. No matter who you are."
He stepped closer, towering over her.
"Remember that."
"Stay away from me."
Without waiting for a response, Feng Lihan leapt into the air. His wings beat powerfully, scattering dust and feathers as he rose into the sky. Layla was left behind, staring upward, her nails digging into her palms as her calm mask finally cracked.
High above the mountains, Feng Lihan flew.
He searched the cliffs, the forests below, the winding ravines where shadows pooled like ink. His sharp eyes scanned every cave opening, every trace of disturbance on the land.
Lin Yue, he thought desperately. If you're alive… hold on. I will find you my love just wait for me ..
I know you are alive.
Unseen by him, far beyond the Hawk Clan's territory, fate was already shifting. Somewhere in the mountains, in a hidden cave warmed by firelight, Lin Yue still breathed—unaware that the one searching the skies refused to give up on him.
And the distance between them was slowly, inevitably, closing.