The night wrapped the Hawk Clan territory in a deep, watchful silence.
Inside the cave, Lin Yue lay resting on soft furs, one hand unconsciously resting on his slightly rounded belly. His breathing was slow and even, the faint glow of his pregnancy mark pulsing gently under his skin. Mo Shan sat beside him, watching him sleep with an expression that was far more restrained than his instincts allowed.
He leaned down, brushing a careful kiss against Lin Yue's lips—light, controlled, lingering for only a heartbeat.
"That's all," Mo Shan murmured softly. "You need rest."
From the entrance of the cave, Feng Lihan watched the scene unfold. His red wings twitched faintly, a sharp, unfamiliar feeling tightening his chest. He felt it—something sour, something hot—but he said nothing. He never did.
Without a word, Feng Lihan turned away.
Tonight wasn't for emotions.
Tonight was for survival.
Once Lin Yue was fully asleep, Mo Shan and Feng Lihan slipped into the forest, their figures vanishing into the thick shadows. The deeper they went, the heavier the air became. This was no ordinary hunting ground—this was territory claimed by five- and six-star demonic beasts, creatures born from corrupted mana and endless bloodshed.
"We need that power stone," Mo Shan said quietly, tightening the grip on his weapon. "If I reach six-star, I can protect him better."
Feng Lihan's eyes darkened. "Just don't lose your life trying to prove it."
The forest answered them with a roar.
A massive demonic beast burst from the undergrowth—its body covered in black scales, eyes glowing an unnatural crimson. Its aura alone crushed the surrounding trees into splinters.
Five-star.
The beast lunged.
Feng Lihan moved first, red wings flaring wide as he launched into the air. Blades of wind sliced downward, cutting deep into the beast's armored hide. It screeched, swinging its massive tail, smashing Feng Lihan into a tree with bone-rattling force.
Mo Shan didn't hesitate.
Dark magic surged around his fists as he charged, striking the beast's skull with explosive force. The ground cracked beneath them, but the beast only staggered, fury multiplying.
"Still standing?!" Mo Shan snarled.
The demonic beast retaliated, claws tearing through Mo Shan's side. Blood sprayed across the forest floor. Pain burned—but Mo Shan forced himself upright.
Feng Lihan landed beside him, breathing hard. "Together."
They attacked as one.
Fire and wind collided with darkness and steel. Feng Lihan's wings shielded Mo Shan as he channeled magic, while Mo Shan created openings with brutal close-range strikes. The fight stretched on—each second a battle against exhaustion, each wound screaming for surrender.
Finally, with a thunderous roar, the beast collapsed.
From its shattered chest rolled a demonic power stone, pulsing violently with black-red energy.
The moment Mo Shan picked it up, demonic mana surged into his arm like poison.
"Careful!" Feng Lihan grabbed his wrist. "That power is corrupted."
The stone throbbed, whispering promises of strength, dominance, invincibility.
"If we absorb it directly," Mo Shan said through clenched teeth, "it could destroy our cores."
Or worse.
Feng Lihan stared at the stone, then at Mo Shan. "We'll purify it. Slowly. No shortcuts."
Mo Shan exhaled sharply, closing his fist around the stone. "For Lin Yue… I won't take the risk."
For the first time that night, Feng Lihan nodded.
Far away, unaware of the bloodshed carried out for his future, Lin Yue slept peacefully—unaware that two powerful beasts were gambling with death just to ensure his safety.