Mei Ren's posture stiffened immediately.
"Yes." Her voice carried clear surprise. "How do you know that?"
Ningyan frowned, dragging his fingers through his hair as he exhaled slowly. "I can't believe this."
"You can't believe what?" Mei Ren asked, amusement slipping into her tone. "That you lived this long?"
Ningyan sighed, exhausted. He pulled his fingers free from his hair and gave her a dull, weary look.
"No. Not that." His voice was flat. "I'm more disappointed than shocked."
"I'm not here for small talk," Mei Ren said coolly. "But I'd like to know why you're disappointed."
Ningyan sighed again, brushing his hair from his face only for the strands to fall back stubbornly. "I was promised your heart."
Silence stretched between them.
Only the wind spoke, threading through their hair, tugging at their robes, rustling the leaves and branches around them.
Then Mei Ren moved.
