The mountain slept beneath the moon, unaware of the vow that had just been sealed within stone and crystal.
Outside Feng Lihan's cave, the wind shifted.
Mo Shan stood still among the shadows, golden eyes reflecting the faint glow leaking from within. He had returned to his own cave earlier, or so he had said—but sleep had never come. Something restless pulled at him, a pressure deep in his chest that refused to settle.
Then he felt it.
The bond.
Not his—but strong, blazing, unmistakable.
Mo Shan's fingers tightened slowly.
Through the thin veil of night, he could sense Feng Lihan's aura flaring warm and possessive, wrapping itself around Lin Yue like wings drawn close. Not violent. Not rushed. Intimate. Devoted.
Loved.
A sharp ache cut through Mo Shan's chest.
So it's real now, he thought bitterly. Not just protection. Not just instinct.
Love.
The cave fell quiet, the crystal lamps dimming until only moonlight remained. Mo Shan turned away at last, jaw clenched, forcing himself to breathe. Jealousy burned hot—but beneath it lay something colder, more dangerous.
Resolve.
"One day," he murmured into the dark, voice barely more than a whisper. "If he ever looks back… I'll be there."
The wind carried his words away.
Morning came gently.
Lin Yue woke wrapped in warmth, the steady weight of Feng Lihan's arm draped protectively over him. Sunlight filtered through the cave entrance, painting gold across feathers and silver hair. For a moment, he simply lay there, listening to the rhythm of Feng Lihan's breathing, slow and even.
Safe.
When Feng Lihan stirred, his eyes opened instantly, alert despite the softness in his gaze.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked quietly.
Lin Yue smiled, shy but sincere. "I did."
Feng Lihan leaned down, pressing a kiss to his forehead, lingering there as if memorizing the moment. "Good."
Outside, footsteps approached.
Feng Lihan's expression shifted—not alarmed, but sharp.
Mo Shan appeared at the cave entrance, posture relaxed, hands empty. His gaze flicked briefly to Lin Yue, then to Feng Lihan, assessing, measuring.
"You're awake," Mo Shan said evenly.
"We are," Feng Lihan replied, calm but unmistakably territorial. His arm tightened slightly around Lin Yue, a silent statement.
Mo Shan noticed. Of course he did.
"I'm heading toward the eastern ridge," Mo Shan continued. "Scouts reported movement near the lower valley. I thought you should know."
Feng Lihan nodded. "I'll handle it."
Mo Shan's eyes lingered on Lin Yue a second longer than necessary. "Make sure he eats before you go."
Lin Yue blinked, surprised, then nodded politely. "I will. Thank you."
Mo Shan inclined his head, expression unreadable. "Rest well."
Then he turned and left, his figure disappearing into the morning mist.
Only after he was gone did Lin Yue exhale softly. "He… worries in his own way."
Feng Lihan watched the direction Mo Shan had gone, eyes dark. "I know."
He looked back at Lin Yue, expression softening instantly. "But you're mine to protect."
Lin Yue reached for his hand, intertwining their fingers. "And you're mine too."
Feng Lihan smiled—slow, fierce, and full of promise.
Beyond the mountain paths, unseen forces were already shifting. Hearts were choosing sides, bonds tightening, and jealousy sharpening into something far more dangerous.
The quiet days would not last.
But for now, love held.