At some point during the night, the blanket shuddered.

  Ting felt something settle between her breasts. She blinked, feeling her heart race as she refused to check what just happened. The clenching of her fists created a strange noise, as if she were scraping against a scaly surface. But she paid it no mind. She ground her teeth when another movement was made, as if someone was searching for a more comfortable position. She frowned.

  And he still has the nerve to try and adjust his position...!

  She shivered as she felt the warm breath spreading between her breasts.

  Her eyes slowly went down, somewhat incredulous. She preferred to think she'd fallen asleep without realizing it than to believe that Noah had really had the courage to do what he did. Soon she realized she was only lying to herself.

  She opened her mouth but said nothing. No time was given.

  — I'm still within the boundaries you set. We're not in public, and I haven't gone too far. This is still just a hug, — he argued.

  — A hug...?!

  — Well... a slightly more intimate one? — Noah asked, lifting his head to look at her. — But I'll stop if you're really upset about it.

  The sensations created by even the smallest of his movements were strange. They warmed her face. It made her look away.

  If I'm upset?!

  She scratched him again. Her face remained as calm as possible, not betraying what she was thinking mentally. Yet, the words she offered were honest, if a bit softer than her actual thoughts.

  — I'm not angry.

  — Really? Then why do you keep scratching my back? You know, you already ripped all my clothes there.

  Of course I am, idiot! Who the heck would do something like this so suddenly?!

  — I was just surprised. I didn't think you'd be stu- brash enough to do something like this out of nowhere.

  — So I can stay like this?

  — Just... Just don't move.

  If he just keeps still, maybe I can forget about this and- Why does his breathing have to be so heavy?

  Ting looked down, furrowing her brows and narrowing her eyes.

  This idiot, he- He's doing it on purpose!

  She couldn't calm her mind for the rest of the night.

  For Noah, however, that moment was more than perfect. The rapid, awkward heartbeats seemed to transport him to a personal space of pure comfort. He wished it could last much longer. Sadly, though, the sun soon shone under the door.

  His mouth opened.

  — If you bite me, I will never let you do something like this again, — Ting warned him in a tone so serious it sounded unusual.

  — Bite...? — He smiled, pulling her closer. — You have some peculiar tastes, Ting.

  Those hedonistic ones...

  She frowned. She felt a little dirty inside, corrupted. She thought that everything she'd seen and heard around Mount Meiyang had changed something within her.

  Yes, those women- If they weren't so... "liberated"... I wouldn't have gotten used to this to the point of allowing this kind of situation.

  — The sun's already up, — she commented.

  — So? Let's discuss what we'll do today first. Meanwhile, let me stay here. This is great.

  — Maybe for you, — she muttered, rolling her eyes.

  — Huh? — Noah raised himself over her. — So you really didn't like it? Why didn't you just say so? I said I'd stop.

  Pushing him to the side, Ting managed to sit up. It was easy. However, if Noah had tried to resist, she wouldn't even have made him budge, let alone move him.

  She sighed.

  — There's nothing to like, it was just another hug, remember? Weren't you the one who said that? Except for your face being... Anyway, there’s not much difference.

  Noah clenched his fist, tightening the blankets. He looked away.

  Really, too distant, like all the others... The difference is, she's still around because she needs me.

  A tongue clicked loudly.

  Letting go, Noah stood up. His distant eyes refused to look at her. Diverging from shame, anger, he couldn't feel.

  The drops stopped there.

  Watching him walk to the door surrounded by a strange, uneasy silence, Ting turned away. She was preparing to stand, placing her feet on the floor.

  — Where are you going? Wait, I also—

  — No... — he said, making her stop. She slid back into bed. — Weren't you curious about this place? Try to discover something. I'll be busy today.

  — No, but—

  The door closed.

  Silence flooded the room.

  Squeezing her ankles, Ting narrowed her eyes.

  He got mad...? Why? I'm the one who should be upset, right?! And what did he mean by "busy"? Didn't he say we’d talk about what we would do today?

  She let herself fall back on the pillow. The air in her chest escaped.

  Idiot.

  She turned. Closed her eyes and went quiet. Yet, her heart would not be silent. She jumped up, staring at the door.

  He'll come back, right...?

  That loneliness left her a little anxious. The footsteps and voices around were not enough to make her feel close to anything, cared for. She needed more, something she could touch and look at as much as she wanted. Not a shadow or a lifeless, cold wall, but someone who could think and act when they wanted.

  It's a bit ironic, since his body barely gives off any heat...

  A slight smile appeared as her lips moved.

  Ting rose, sighing. Opening the door, she felt warmth spread in her chest. It was more restrained and less satisfying.

  Little by little, I'm getting used to the idea that I'll always wake up the next day, and that's good.

  She walked down the covered hallway, feeling her face hit by sunshine streaming between rooftops and over walls.

  So why, sometimes, does it feel like I won't?

  Raising her hand to her face, she tried to block the sun so that she could see her surroundings clearly. The yellow glowed in the distance, unique and beautiful. Nature shone under its radiance. Leaves swayed in the slow wind.

  I think I'd like to remain with that feeling a while longer. Without getting used to it... Yes, I should.

  But I can't anymore.

  Maybe it's already too late now...

  Turning down the corridor, her aimless steps took her forward. She wandered through the residence and passed through the gates. Even empty, the tiles of the streets felt more natural and cozy than that place. More alive. There was something about those lands that made her feel uneasy being there.

  Finally she stopped...

  Like a chill starting in her chest and, at times, spreading like roots. When she was with Noah, that sensation seemed more contained. Now that she was alone, it ran through her like conscious lightning.

  Ting felt she wouldn't be at peace if she remained there, so she decided to wander through the city.

  In the Radiance residence, at every corner she saw at least one person wandering, sometimes several. There didn't seem to be empty spaces there.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  However, as soon as she stepped outside the gates, nothing. Except for the guards, not a soul in the long, wide boulevard. In the alleys, the depressing sight repeated, just like on many streets she passed. Her heart squeezed with each new step, making her body heavy.

  This is the real weight of what happened...

  Clenching her hand, she hoped to find something. The firm fingers that kept her standing. In vain. There was no support. She looked to the side, only to see the loneliness surrounding her.

  She clenched her fists. She knew she should be happy to have some time to herself. But that's not how she felt. Her chest hurt. Her hands trembled. And guilt returned with force, like massive waves crashing into a fragile, lonely wall.

  Her feet moved forward with rhythm, sometimes a bit unsteady, leading her to a familiar place. There she would see a face. Meet someone alive. It was only when she began to hear voices and laughter in the distance that her heart began to calm.

  A long, heavy sigh left her chest. A little further ahead, faces could already be seen.

  — What happened, child? What a terrible sigh was that? — Yiran asked, seeing her pass by the open window. The old lady approached the wooden frame with heavy, unsteady steps, needing the walls to keep herself upright. She looked around, as if searching for something.

  — He's not here, ma'am, — Ting confirmed her suspicion. — Is something wrong? Do you need help with something?

  — What? Oh, no, I don't... And you, do you need anything, Ting?

  — Me? — she thought for a while.

  — You quarreled, didn't you?

  — Pardon? No. I don't think so...? Not sure.

  — Not sure? — the lady smiled. Her legs trembled, forcing her to lean on the window. — You two are strangely distant, for a pair that seemed so close.

  Ting let out a weak laugh as she said, — So that's how people saw us?

  — Well, I believe everyone would at least agree on that. — After grabbing a small apple from the table beside, Yiran took a long time to hand it back, fingers trembling. When she managed, a short snap sounded as she offered the fruit to Ting. — I don't know you both that well, so I don't think I have the right to give my opinion. But, if you'll allow me, I believe some men are very simple in their ways. Noah, for example, honestly doesn't seem like someone good for others, except for you.

  With the apple in hand, Ting smiled.

  — And is that a good thing? — she asked, staring at nothing.

  — Depends. He doesn't seem to care about what's around him. On the other hand, he seemed worried about you during the short time you were here. — Steadying her tremors, the old lady moved Ting’s loose hair behind her ear. The touch drew her gaze. — But, in the end, it depends on you, on what you think and feel. My confused words won't change that. Sorry for not being more helpful, — she said gently.

  — No, thank you. You've made me see that I need to think a little more about this. I don't think I've paid enough attention to these things.

  — Really? I’m happy to have helped somewhat. Hope you two sort this out as soon as possible, because, depending on how serious it is, Noah is probably crying somewhere hidden right now.

  The two laughed together, softly.

  That, I highly doubt. Ting thought.

  She bit the apple in her hand. It was sweet and juicy, and the juice dripped from her lips. She soon licked it off.

  — Did you like it?

  — Yes. It's very good. — She bit again. — See you, ma'am.

  She bowed briefly, yet respectfully.

  Ting was ready to leave when she turned back again.

  — Can I ask one more thing, ma'am? — Her back cracked as she moved abruptly to look, but Yiran just nodded, enduring the pain. Ting approached. — Is there somewhere I can read about this city? I've been a bit curious since I arrived.

  — Read about...? You mean scrolls? Maybe in the four families? They must have something like that. Or the city lord, but I’m not sure if there's anything left to read there.

  — Hmm, I think I've met people from two of those 'families,' and it wasn’t great. Where’s the city lord's residence? I'll try my luck there. Is it that building near the city center, with the fountain?

  — No, that's the Hall building. The city lord's residence is just past that. But—

  — Got it, thanks again, ma'am. I'll stop bothering you now, so try to rest a bit.

  — No, wait...! — She had no strength to shout, and Ting was already out of sight after a simple blink. — She really is fast... And full of energy too...

  It looked lovely on her.

  She sighed as she turned slowly, carefully.

  But I guess anything would.

  — I should have said she'll need authorization to enter...

  Having seen the whole city from above, Ting already knew the layout of its streets and alleys. It didn't take long for her to reach one of the main streets, and it would have been even faster if she hadn’t stopped anywhere.

  — What happened? Did the wall fall? — she asked, lifting a board lying on the ground. — In that case, shouldn't we check—

  — No, don’t worry. That’s not what happened. It was those two idiots, Yang Tao and Xu Yan, who showed up just to fight. Tsk! And did it right in front of my house! — Mr. Hú explained, clearly displeased.

  Just like Mrs. Yiran, he eyed Ting up as soon as he saw her approach. But he couldn’t ask about Noah.

  — Are you looking for someone, sir? — She smiled as he laughed out of embarrassment. — Noah didn't come with me today, he's busy.

  — I see, sorry for the looks. That’s good, I thought you two had argued.

  Ting sighed, — You're already the second person to tell me that today.

  She replaced another plank in place.

  — Well, I guess it's because it's weird seeing you actually alone. You've always been together all the times we saw you until now. He seemed to be the type who’d refuse to leave your side even while you were— — He stopped, freezing with the hammer mid-air. He felt his thoughts were too dirty to say to such an innocent-looking girl. With a restrained chuckle, he cleared his throat and went back to hammering and talking. — Anyway, I was just a little surprised.

  The remaining boards were placed during a time when Mr. Hú seemed very keen on restraining his curses while expressing frustration about Yang Tao and Xu Yan.

  — And they didn't even come to help fix the mess they made! — he exclaimed, and Ting smiled and sometimes nodded, not knowing what to say.

  When everything was finished, she bowed to say goodbye.

  — What?! You're done already? But we said we'd help fix it, old man!

  — You would, yeah? Tomorrow?

  — Who helped you? You wouldn't do it that quickly alone. — Yang Tao looked around. — Are they gone already?

  — Why? Did you ruin some other house and now want them to help you fix your mess?

  — Hey, it was just an accident. Don’t be so miserly, old man.

  — You say that because it wasn’t your house, idiot!

  — Huh? Look, there she is. — Xu Yan pointed over. — Hey, Ting! — he called, making her turn. — Thanks for your help again!

  — Now can you tell this old man to forgive us?

  — Tsk! Useless. Don't listen to them, girl. Go on your way, — Hú said, then he went inside and shut the door.

  — Seriously, old man? Come back. We're not finished talking.

  — Go away!

  Ting smiled as she left. She knew they kept insisting, because she could hear them for quite a while. Mr. Hú eventually opened the door again.

  The deserted streets soon returned, but nothing compared to the state of the central fountain. Not even the wind seemed to make a sound there. To the right, not a single house was intact. Not because they’d been demolished. Black marks engraved on the ground still signaled where many of them once stood.

  The building once unique and prominent in the city now looked rather destroyed. The Hall had burnt sections and others untouched.

  Perhaps this place lay close to the line that divided the two energies, so it was affected by both? Ting supposed as she circled the structure slowly. This doesn't seem to match the usual city architecture. Did these people come from elsewhere too? The “Hall”… merchants, maybe? But why would such folks stay in a place like this, with no customers? For the Qi?

  Now she noticed. Every time she walked northward, the energy grew more plentiful.

  Doesn’t seem like these people are able to create or maintain a Qi-gathering formation, so is that really it...? Is there maybe a Qi vein here? Or is this truly just a "sacred land"? That would be amazing in itself...

  Reaching the end of the street, Ting saw the scene opening up. No more houses, only a large open space before the next residence.

  She heard the wind blowing in her ears and ruffling her hair. She slid it behind her ear before continuing on.

  Unlike the streets and alleys, there were no tiles there. It was just a wide, light, and somewhat dry dirt field.

  Maybe they hadn't had time yet to develop the city that far?

  Seeing no guard or servant, she knocked on the gate a few times. After a moment, it soon opened.

  — Yes, can I help...? — a young man asked, a bit confused. He eyed her up and down with quick glances, repeating the act for no clear reason. Clearing his throat, he asked, — Sorry, but who are you?

  — They told me there might be a scroll here about the city's history. If that's true, may I read it?

  — You were told...? So you really aren’t— — The man paused, raised his eyebrows, and stepped back, surprised. — Are you that person?!

  "That person"? Oh... Ting quickly understood.

  The previously insolent and vulgar looks she'd received had bothered her, so she preferred to let that misunderstanding last a bit longer. It was better than being treated just as an object of desire, even when present.

  — Ah, right. I'll need authorization, won’t I? — She took out the wooden token that Xia Tao had given her before Noah began to say his piece, and showed it. The man's eyes widened at what her bag did, for this was nothing but proof of his stupidity. — I have this. The old man said I could go anywhere if I showed it.

  Able to go anywhere... The exact words were "have authority," weren't they?

  She tightened her grip on the token as she noticed the man try to verify its authenticity. He recoiled when a tongue clicked loudly.

  — O-Of course, you can come in. Please... — he said shakily, pulling the gate wider. He trembled as he bowed. He cursed himself for how foolish he'd been, staring at her that way.

  She's not mad, is she? He risked a glance, only for Ting to notice. He shrank back. Crap, of course she is!

  Rising upright, he guided the way quickly and efficiently. He felt the need to stay away from her, or else he might simply die. Even if not by her hand, he knew his heart might kill him by stopping.

  — It's pretty rough here... — Ting remarked offhandedly.

  — Well, everything came from this direction, so it was a bit more complicated, — the man explained, trying to be helpful. — It was worse just a little while ago, until— — His slip came to mind and he trembled. He swallowed as he laughed. — Well, I guess you know that part better than I.

  Stopping in front of a simple door to a small wooden shack, the man confirmed that was the location.

  — Everything that froze instead of burned, saved because of that, is in here.

  Having finished his job, he bowed and left as quickly as possible. He couldn't run, or it’d be too obvious, but his legs didn't share that understanding.

  Ting smiled as she watched him leave.

  She turned back to the shack, opening its creaky door.

  Had Noah planned this far ahead already? Did he really help that old man just so I could gain some authority in this place?

  She felt the cold scrolls, noticing not all the chilly energy had been removed.

  Something that didn’t depend on him being present in the place...

  Sighing, she picked up any of the scrolls. There were only seven left, so it didn’t take long for Ting to finish reading them all.

  Another technique...

  Her last sigh was out of frustration. She found nothing about the city, not even a sentence.

  All the important records must have burned, leaving only these basic techniques.

  She left the place more frustrated than when she arrived. She looked around and saw nobody. So she wandered the property a while longer, intending to return soon. She decided to use the time to think more about what to say to Noah later. She still didn't have a clear idea, because she still felt she hadn't done anything wrong. The very possibility that she might have to apologize in such a situation seemed ridiculous.

  I already said it was fine even after what he did. What more would he want? For me to say he was right?

  With heavy steps, she passed through many parts of the residence. Despite its beauty, which drew curious or even desirous first glances, the lines on her face did not look inviting. In the end, no one dared approach her.

  The smell of scorched wood still hovered strongly in the air. It mingled with the scent of tea herbs and, in some places, a cloying sweetness that turned Ting's stomach. She could see the marks. These people might be alive, but they would forever carry those burdens in their bodies.

  But it can’t be just that. She swallowed hard. Some wounds wouldn't produce such a strong smell.

  Despite her stomach’s protests, she followed the odor. She had to make sure she was wrong. That’s what she wished most. Yes, she wanted to find them and apologize. But not now. Not when she was the only one there. If she did it now, she felt she would break. And that’s what happened. When she saw the grave markers stretching so far they disappeared among the trees around the field, Ting broke down.

  On her knees, she could no longer hold back what she had kept trapped in her throat.