"…I take it back." The words came out as nothing more than a quiet murmur.
Xue Yao let out a small, bitter laugh and slowly walked toward the stone beneath the ancient tree. Every step felt heavier than the last.
"You can talk as much as you want," she said softly, the smile on her face carrying more helplessness than amusement. "Really… I won't complain anymore."
She lowered herself onto the edge of the stone and folded her legs beneath her, quietly studying Tian Lan's sleeping face. Without that mischievous grin tugging at the corners of her lips, without her constant chatter or the sparkle in her bright eyes, she looked much younger than usual. Wisps of pale blue energy drifted lazily around her tiny body.
Xue Yao sat there for a while before slowly reaching out. Her fingertip hesitated just above Tian Lan's forehead, as though she was afraid even the smallest touch might disturb her, then she lightly poked her.
"…Hey."
Tian Lan remained unconscious.
