The forest path stretched endlessly ahead, bathed in golden rays of the setting sun. Dust clung to their robes, and the weight of the temple trials still lingered in the silence between them. Even Wei Zhan's usual sarcasm was replaced by quiet focus.
Devran glanced at Tianlan, who was walking beside him, arms folded and eyes fixed on the path. "You've been quiet."
Tianlan raised an eyebrow. "Should I sing instead?"
Devran smirked. "Just saying… the silence is suspicious."
Before Tianlan could snap back, Saanvi's voice called from ahead, "Look!"
At the end of the winding road, nestled at the border between forest and mountain, stood a small wooden inn, warm lights glowing through its windows like a beacon. A faded sign swayed gently in the breeze: Ashvale Inn – Rest for the Weary.
Vihaan tilted his head. "That wasn't on any map."
Saanvi murmured, "Maybe it was meant to find us."
Wei Zhan stretched. "Fate or not, I'm starving."
They approached cautiously. The inn seemed old, but well-maintained. Flowering vines clung to the edges of the wooden beams, and the smell of hot soup drifted through the open doorway. A middle-aged woman greeted them with a warm smile.
"Travelers! You're just in time. We've got stew on the fire and fresh bread. Rooms are upstairs if you need them."
No questions asked. No strange looks.
Devran relaxed his guard just a little.
Inside, the inn was cozy. Lanterns flickered on the walls, casting a gentle amber glow. A single fireplace crackled in the corner. They sat at a long table, grateful to rest their feet and lay down their burdens.
Plates arrived—bowls of hearty stew, flatbread, and spiced tea. No one spoke at first. Just the sound of spoons, satisfied sighs, and boots hitting the floor.
Finally, Xie Lian leaned forward. "So… where to next?"
Tianlan wiped his mouth with a napkin. "We still don't know where Master is."
Vihaan added, "The temple gave us more than trials. There was knowledge hidden between the illusions. Symbols, phrases. One of them… mentioned Solara Cliffs."
Devran frowned. "That's near the Eastern border, isn't it?"
"Yes," Saanvi confirmed. "A place once known for spiritual training. It's said to hold memories of divine presence."
Wei Zhan groaned. "So, more climbing. Great."
"But if it leads us to Master," Tianlan said quietly, "then it's worth it."
A moment of silence passed—gentler this time. The fire popped in the hearth.
Devran looked around the table. "Whatever happens… we stick together, yeah?"
"Don't get sentimental," Tianlan muttered, but didn't disagree.
Saanvi smiled softly. Vihaan, watching her, looked away before their eyes could meet.
Outside, the night deepened. The stars blinked overhead as the group retired to their rooms—each carrying new thoughts, old memories, and the lingering warmth of food and fragile trust.
Tomorrow, their journey would begin again.
.....
Glimpses Beneath the Surface
The soft murmur of running water echoed through the room as Tianlan leaned against the windowsill, eyes fixed on the dark road outside. The lantern flickered gently beside him, casting amber shadows along the walls. The night was calm—but inside him, a quiet storm brewed.
The bathroom door creaked open behind him.
Tianlan turned instinctively, expecting Devran to say something—
And froze.
Devran stepped out with his upper robe hanging loosely off his shoulders, droplets of water still trailing down his sculpted chest and abs, his damp hair tousled and clinging to his neck. His bare feet padded softly against the wooden floor as he rubbed his head with a towel, seemingly unaware of the chaos he had just caused.
Tianlan's breath caught.
His body stiffened, eyes fixed on Devran like he'd been struck by a spell. He didn't blink. Didn't move.
Devran looked up mid-rub and caught Tianlan's stare. A slow, mischievous smile curled at the corner of his lips. "Admiring the view, are we?"
Tianlan's eyes widened. "I—I wasn't—"
Devran stepped closer, lowering the towel casually, exposing even more of his toned frame. "You were staring so hard, I thought I grew wings or something."
"You should cover yourself," Tianlan muttered, looking away—too fast.
Devran leaned in, voice just above a whisper, warm against Tianlan's ear. "But you didn't want me to… right?"
Tianlan's face flushed scarlet.
He took a step back, only for his knee to bump against the edge of the bed. Devran, grinning, gently trapped him between the bed and his body, still dripping faint warmth from the bath.
"I never took you for the shy type," Devran teased, his eyes gleaming with something deeper—soft, teasing, but laced with sincerity.
Tianlan swallowed. "I'm not."
Devran leaned even closer. "Then why is your heart beating so fast?"
Tianlan's eyes snapped up to meet his—and for one second, neither looked away.
There was tension in the air. Not heavy, not uncomfortable—just thick with unsaid words, stolen glances, and the undeniable pull that had been building since their first encounter.
Devran backed away with a low chuckle, finally pulling on his robe. "Relax. I'm not trying to seduce you… not tonight, at least."
Tianlan, cheeks still flushed, turned to the window to hide his expression. "You're impossible."
Devran threw the towel aside and flopped onto the bed. "And yet, you haven't run away."
"No," Tianlan murmured, voice barely audible, "I haven't."
Devran's smile faded slightly, replaced with something softer as he looked at Tianlan's back—realizing how close they were to something new… something fragile, yet inevitable.
Scene: The Second Room — The Chaos Continues
Xie Lian had just finished meticulously folding his robes and placing them in a neat corner of the room when he turned — only to find Wei Zhan shamelessly wearing his spare outer robe.
Xie Lian (horrified): "Why are you wearing my clothes?!"
Wei Zhan (posing dramatically): "It's comfy. Smells like flowers and judgment."
Xie Lian (snatching it off): "You're insufferable."
Wei Zhan (grinning): "And yet, here you are. Sharing a room with me. Fate is funny like that."
Xie Lian muttered something that sounded suspiciously like a curse. As he stormed toward his bed, his foot barely missed a boot thrown haphazardly on the floor.
Xie Lian (shouting): "Clean up your mess!"
Wei Zhan (kicking the boot under the bed): "There. Happy now, Your Highness?"
The sound of Xie Lian accidentally stepping on a puddle of spilled water near the wash basin followed.
Xie Lian (voice going dangerously quiet): "You spilled water… and didn't wipe it?"
Wei Zhan (pretending to read a scroll upside down): "It's good for the soul. Builds character."
Xie Lian hurled a towel at his head.
Wei Zhan caught it with one hand and smiled smugly. "You know, for someone so delicate, you throw things like a warrior."
Xie Lian (snapping): "One day, I will poison your tea."
Wei Zhan: "Joke's on you. I'll drink it anyway—if it's made by you."
Xie Lian (gritting his teeth): "GO. TO. SLEEP."
Wei Zhan turned away, still laughing under his breath as he flopped onto the bed, arms behind his head. But even in the dim light, he glanced at Xie Lian and whispered just loud enough:
Wei Zhan: "You're cute when you're mad, Little Lotus."
Xie Lian's pillow smacked the wall again.
---
Under the Stars: Saanvi & Xie Lian
Later that night, Xie Lian stepped out onto the veranda, letting the cool night air wash over him. The sky above was clear, studded with stars.
To his surprise, Saanvi was already there, leaning on the railing, quietly humming a soft tune.
Xie Lian: "Couldn't sleep either?"
Saanvi smiled. "Too many thoughts. You?"
Xie Lian shrugged. "Same."
He sat beside her, and the two watched the stars in silence.
Saanvi glanced sideways—and frowned. "You're hurt."
Xie Lian blinked. "It's nothing. A scratch."
Saanvi stood immediately. "That's not a scratch. Lift your sleeve. Now."
Xie Lian sighed but obeyed. A long cut stretched across his upper arm.
Saanvi: "Why didn't you say something? Idiot."
Xie Lian: "I forgot."
Saanvi tsked, pulling out her herbs and ointments. She cleaned the wound with the practiced care of someone who'd done it many times.
Saanvi (softly): "You take care of everyone. Let someone take care of you for once."
Xie Lian smiled faintly, watching her work. "You sound like an older sister."
Saanvi (smirking): "Then listen to your sister and stop acting like you're indestructible."
From the shadows of the hallway, Vihaan stood silently, watching the two. A small smile curved his lips as he observed Saanvi's tenderness. His eyes were gentle, but unreadable.
---