The walk back from the lake burned in Yunfeng's bones. His skin still carried the sting of fire, his chest the weight of that piercing gaze from the man in the chopper. But as the trees broke and the ruined house came into view, his heartbeat steadied.
Family—that was what mattered.
"Everyone okay?" Yunfeng's voice was rough, thick with the smoke he had swallowed. He wiped the ashes from his face, blinking through the haze.
"Yunfeng!" Muchen bolted toward him like a shooting star. He crashed into his waist, hugging him tightly. He let out a soft grunt, steadying himself, before resting a hand on his head, his lips tugging faintly.
Not far away, Shao stood tall, his silver eyes watchful even as he carried Jai in his arms. The younger man's head rested weakly against Shao's chest, his face pale but calm, breathing slow and steady. By Shao's side stood his younger brother—Kaien, quiet and sharp-eyed, his stance tense like he expected an ambush even here.
