Night blanketed Thunder City in deep sapphire hues. A quiet wind rustled through the trees as Zhen Huan sat on the roof of the inn, legs crossed, gazing up at the moon. Its pale light washed over his face, but his mind wasn't on the stars.
He was thinking about her.
"That look in her eyes… was it anger? Or something else?"
Behind him, light footsteps landed gently. He didn't turn—he already knew who it was.
"You always sit alone at night?" Qing Chen's voice was calm, but softer than usual.
Zhen Huan gave a small smile. "Only when I have something on my mind."
She stepped forward, sitting beside him without a word. A moment passed, filled only with the sound of wind brushing tiles and distant city murmurs.
"I'm sorry," she said suddenly.
Zhen Huan blinked. "For what?"
"For losing my temper earlier. For almost freezing you. For being… impulsive."
He chuckled. "If that's impulsive, then what do you call me?"
Qing Chen smiled faintly. "Arrogant. Foolish. Reckless."
He laughed louder at that. "Fair enough."
Silence returned. This time, it was comfortable.
"You know…" she said, hugging her knees, "it's been a long time since I felt… vulnerable."
Zhen Huan turned to her, surprised by the rare sincerity in her voice.
"In the upper world, I was always the 'genius daughter' of the Qing Clan. Everyone expected me to be cold, perfect, untouchable. But here… it's different. You treat me like I'm just… another person."
"You are a person," Zhen Huan said softly. "Power doesn't change that."
She looked at him, her eyes searching his expression.
"No one's said that to me before."
Zhen Huan met her gaze, and for a heartbeat, the world felt smaller—just the two of them beneath the stars.
"Earlier today," he said carefully, "when I fell on you… I didn't mean—"
"I know," she cut in, quickly. "It's fine."
A pink hue returned to her cheeks. She looked away.
He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "You know, you blush a lot for someone from the Qing Clan."
Her head snapped around. "You little—!"
He raised his hands. "Joking! Joking!"
She sighed and stood up. "You're really something, Zhen Huan. I can't tell if you're fearless or just clueless."
"Why not both?"
She shook her head, trying to hide a smile. "Come. It's late."
As she turned to go, Zhen Huan called out, "Hey, Qing Chen."
She glanced back.
"I'll get stronger," he said quietly. "Strong enough to take you to the upper world, and strong enough to protect you once we're there."
For a moment, her expression softened. Then she looked away.
"…I'll hold you to that," she whispered, before vanishing into the night wind.
Zhen Huan sat there long after she left, heart lighter, but more determined than ever.