"Why did you stop?" Rong Yue asked.
Ningyan shifted against the concrete railing of the stone bridge, turning to look at him. His white-gold eyes glowed faintly, too many conflicted emotions swirling within them, emotions Rong Yue already understood the source of.
After all, he had heard every word Mingze had spoken before making himself visible.
"I don't play for beasts," Ningyan said, turning his head away. "Did you follow me here?"
Rong Yue's lips curved slightly. "What do you think?"
"I don't think I have room to think about anything more than I already am," Ningyan replied.
He grabbed his book and turned properly this time, leaning back against the railing. The wind threaded through his white hair, tugging loose strands into his face as the glow in his eyes dimmed slightly.
"I can protect you," Rong Yue said calmly. "The attempt happened right in front of me."
Ningyan shot him a guarded look. His lips twitched instinctively. He was drawing a boundary.
