The cave feels different now.
Not silent with fear—but quiet with relief.
Feng Lihan sits against the stone wall, wings folded properly at last. Mo Shan rests nearby, his breathing even, his strength returned. The pain is still there, but it no longer threatens to swallow them whole.
Lin Yue stands between them, eyes shining.
"I… I really healed you," he says softly, almost afraid to believe it. He looks at his hands again, flexing his fingers. "You're both alive. You're really okay."
A small, fragile smile appears on his lips.
For the first time since the battle ended, his chest feels light.
"I'm so happy," Lin Yue whispers. "I finally did something. I wasn't useless."
Feng Lihan's expression softens—but only for a moment.
Then his gaze sharpens, turning toward the dark mouth of the cave.
"Don't relax yet," he says firmly. "The Demon Lord will return."
Lin Yue stiffens. "Return… again?"
"Yes," Feng Lihan replies. "He won't give up. Not after today." His voice lowers. "We have to be ready."
Mo Shan nods. "You're right. Today was only a beginning."
Lin Yue looks at Mo Shan then—really looks at him. At the cracked scales that have only just healed. At the blood that still stains his clothes.
"Mo Shan…" His voice trembles. "Thank you."
Mo Shan blinks. "For what?"
"For today," Lin Yue says honestly. "For standing there. For protecting me. For believing in me when I didn't believe in myself."
Mo Shan's gaze warms, something deep and quiet surfacing in his eyes.
"You don't need to thank me," he says. "I did it because I wanted to."
Feng Lihan notices the shift.
He rises slowly, rolling his shoulders. "I'll check the perimeter," he says, tone calm but deliberate. He pauses briefly, then adds, "Take your time."
Without another word, he walks out of the cave—leaving the two of them alone.
The silence that follows is heavier than before.
Mo Shan exhales slowly. "Lin Yue…"
"Yes?" Lin Yue answers, nervous.
Mo Shan steps closer. "I care about you. More than I should." He hesitates, then continues, voice steady but vulnerable. "I know you see Feng Lihan as your husband. I know your heart is already tied to him."
Lin Yue's fingers curl slightly. He doesn't interrupt.
"But even so," Mo Shan says quietly, "can't you let me belong to you too? Even a little?"
Lin Yue's breath catches.
"I will protect you," Mo Shan continues. "No matter what it costs me. Even if I have to give my life. I won't regret it."
Lin Yue's eyes burn.
"That's not something you should say so lightly," he whispers.
Mo Shan smiles faintly. "I mean it."
Lin Yue steps forward suddenly and takes Mo Shan's hand.
"Thank you," he says, voice thick with emotion. "For loving me like this."
Mo Shan's eyes widen—then soften.
Outside the cave, Feng Lihan stops walking.
He closes his eyes.
He heard everything.
But he doesn't turn back.
Because some truths need space to breathe.
Inside the cave, the faint golden light pulses gently beneath Lin Yue's skin—steady, warm, alive.
And somewhere in the distance, fate shifts again.