Ningyan made his way to where the dishes were usually served, joining the long line already waiting there.
He stood patiently until it was his turn, making sure to take enough food for two. Once the dishes were covered and wrapped neatly in cloth, he began walking back toward his house.
His chest felt strangely light.
He was glad Lan Meishan was with him.
Still, he tried his best to push aside what had happened earlier. The strange crystal in that dark void and the sharp pain that had followed it.
As he walked, several children from the community came running toward him, laughing and jumping around as they played.
Ningyan couldn't help smiling at them.
"Here you go, beautiful master!" The little boy who had approached him the other day with a shell now held out something shiny.
Ningyan accepted it with a smile. "It's—"
He paused, turning the small gem over between his fingers.
There was an engraving carved into it. Small, but clear.
A phoenix.
