[The Fire's Stubbornness]
Gu Xingyu stood in her room, the warmth of the jar Sang Qi left still lingering. Before she could sit, another knock sounded.
— Knock, knock.
It was a sharp, direct rhythm. She opened the door to find Luo Ye.
He was still in his crimson robes, the fire from the day's debate still burning in his eyes. He looked at her, his expression a mix of irritation and unease.
"You're not sleeping?" she asked softly.
"Neither are you," he countered, his voice low as if trying to suppress his own emotions. "I'm not here to lecture you, Xingyu. I just... couldn't sleep."
They sat at the table. Luo Ye kept his eyes down, words catching in his throat. "When you answered them today," he started, his voice rasping, "I was... afraid. I was afraid you'd try to carry all the blame and all the responsibility yourself. You aren't a criminal, and you shouldn't be a sacrifice."
He clenched his fists. "I don't want to see you carrying all that alone, saying nothing, and then turning around to comfort us. I want you to lean on us. Let us protect you."
Xingyu's heart skipped a beat. She placed her hand over his fist. "I understand, Luo Ye. I'm not alone anymore. But remember—if you rush into danger and throw your life away for me, I'll be just as afraid. I won't be able to bear it."
Luo Ye froze. The fire in his chest turned into a strange, aching sweetness. "You..."
"You said you'd keep me well-fed, didn't you?" She smiled, her eyes glistening. "Then you have to stay alive to raise me."
His ears turned bright red. Finally, he gave a quiet "Okay." Before leaving, he reached out and brushed his thumb ever so lightly against her forehead. "Sleep early."
[The Water's Embrace]
Xingyu was about to retreat to her bed when she heard a soft thud at the window. A silver figure vaulted inside with the grace of a dancer. Cang Yuan landed lightly, his robes partially open, a playful smirk on his lips.
"Too bad I'm not Luo Ye," he teased. "Otherwise, you'd probably be worried I'd hurt myself."
"Why did you come through the window?" she asked, exasperated.
"The door is too common. Besides, on a night like this, the window is much more... romantic."
He walked over and produced a small flask of osmanthus wine. "You're good at taking care of others, Xingyu. But has anyone asked—what about you? Are you tired? Are you scared? Do you regret it?"
Xingyu's heart jolted. She looked at him, her voice turning low. "I am scared. But I can't say it. If I'm scared, no one will have the courage to keep going."
Cang Yuan clinked his cup against hers. "If you won't say it, I will. I'm scared. I'm scared you'll break and no one will notice. I'm scared someone will die for you and you'll have to smile through the pain. I'm scared... that before we can truly pull you into our hearts, the world will push you away."
Xingyu was stunned. "You... you really think that?"
Cang Yuan leaned in, his gaze like a deep, swirling pool. "To the world, you're the Saintess. But to me, you shouldn't just be a symbol. You should be the person held closest to the heart."
"What about you, Cang Yuan?" she whispered. "You said you don't trust anyone."
He smiled, his eyes reflecting the moonlight. "Because I met you. You made me trust, you made me lean, and you made me... afraid."
He rose to leave, graceful as ever. "I don't need an answer now. Just know that water can wrap around everything gently, but it can also become a flood to protect what it loves. But don't make me wait too long—water can also turn to ice."
He disappeared back through the window, leaving her with the scent of wine and words that would haunt her dreams. Xingyu finished the cup, a small, secret smile forming on her lips.