In the main chamber of Yan Wuhen's manor, Rong Yue sat at one of the long tables. Wuhen occupied the steps leading up to the head throne, eyes closed, hands pressed together as waves of red-gold energy pulsed steadily through his body.
Qinghe sat at another table, Tu Lanyin leaning against her side. Her fingers moved absently through Lanyin's white hair, a quiet, grounding gesture.
Whilst Ningyan stood near the doorway, his back against the wall, arms folded tight.
Thankfully, Wuhen had already explained everything he'd missed. And... Strangely, Rong Yue hadn't asked where Ningyan had been taken by the portal. There were more urgent matters now.
"They summoned Wuhen to display their strength," Rong Yue said.
Qinghe's expression darkened. "Everyone in the academy felt it. Their presence. Their power." She clenched her jaw. "They wanted witnesses. They wanted everyone to know what they're dealing with."
