Dawn rose over the beach like a breath held too long — slow, heavy, layered in lingering tension.
Inside the main tent, silence lay thick.
Shaurya slept with one arm wrapped around Lin Shu's waist, her head resting against his chest. Their breaths moved in unison, soft and steady. The faint glow from the healing liquid still shimmered on Shaurya's veins beneath his skin, pulsing rhythmically.
Outside, spirit dew evaporated gently in the morning air. Waves rolled quietly across the shore. The camp remained hushed, as if it too was sleeping — recovering, collecting strength for what came next.
Then—
Shaurya's eyes snapped open.
Golden pupils sharpened instantly, clear as polished metal.
A spike of spiritual energy pierced the realm, so strong it made the air tremble.
Lin Shu's lashes fluttered. Her eyes opened immediately.
She stared at Shaurya.
"You… also felt it?" she asked, whisper soft.
