Chapter 50: A Heart That Hesitates
The night sky above the Murong estate was a pool of ink dotted with stardust. Wind whispered through the plum trees, carrying the scent of blossoms and the distant echoes of the training grounds.
Mei Xiao sat on the stone steps outside her courtyard, hugging her knees, eyes glued to the moon. Her thoughts were a storm.
"I can't tell him... not yet," she whispered. "He'd never believe me. Or worse… he would."
The truth about her being from the future—it was like a thorn in her throat. Every time she looked into Murong Jing He's eyes, steady and intense, she wanted to scream it. But then, fear wrapped around her like chains. Fear that he'd pull away. Fear that he'd look at her with the same suspicion others did.
Behind her, the door slid open.
"Why are you outside in the cold?"
That familiar, deep voice.
She quickly wiped her face. "Just getting some air."
Murong stepped down next to her, his long robe trailing silently. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence between them wasn't uncomfortable, but it was thick with unspoken things.
"I heard you missed today's strategy meeting," he finally said, eyes on the horizon.
"Wasn't feeling very... tactical." Her voice was light, but it lacked its usual spark.
He turned his head slightly, studying her profile. "You've been avoiding me."
Her heart jumped.
"I haven't," she lied.
He didn't argue. Instead, he reached into his sleeve and pulled out something — a small, carved wooden bird.
"It's... a phoenix," she said, surprised.
"I made it." He looked a little sheepish, which for him was shocking. "I don't know why. I just… saw this in a dream. It reminded me of you."
Her throat tightened. "You dream about me?"
"Too often," he said, too honestly.
Mei Xiao looked down at the wooden phoenix in her hands. She could feel his gaze, could feel how close he was. Too close.
She stood up abruptly. "I should go inside."
He stood too. "Why do you keep running away?"
She froze.
He took a step closer. "What are you hiding from me, Mei Lin?"
She opened her mouth. Closed it.
Then forced a weak smile. "You wouldn't understand."
"Try me," he said gently.
"I…" she swallowed. "I don't belong here."
He frowned. "What do you mean?"
Before she could answer, a sudden crash echoed in the distance—followed by the unmistakable sound of battle horns.
Murong's entire demeanor changed. Cold. Focused.
"We'll talk later. Go to your room. Stay safe."
He vanished into the shadows before she could say another word.
Mei Xiao stood there, heart pounding—not from the sound of danger, but from the words she almost said.
"I'm not Mei Lin… I'm just a girl from another time who accidentally fell in love with you…"