The aurora shimmered green and violet across the northern sky that night, painting Coldwater Village in dreamlike hues. A cold wind swept through frost-coated roofs, but for Leng Tian, warmth spread in his heart.
He walked slowly beside Yuexin along the frozen path by the river. Their breaths misted the air, white against the night. She carried a basket against her chest, small herbs and pelts within, gathered while tending to him.
"Tian," she said softly, breaking the silence. "Why do you always look at the sky?"
Tian smiled faintly, eyes fixed on the streaks above. "Because the sky is eternal. Clouds drift, stars fade, snow melts—but the sky remains. One day, I want my clan… our children's children… to stand forever, like this sky."
Her steps faltered. She blinked up at him with wide, startled eyes. Until now, no boy of their age had spoken of more than meals or spears. Yet here was Tian, weak, frail, mocked—but with eyes bound to eternity.
"…Children's children?" she whispered, cheeks burning red.
Only then did Tian's own cheeks flush, realization dawning. "Ah… I-I mean, in the future. Not now. Only if…"
She looked at him long, light trembling in her gaze, then smiled with a softness that pierced even winter's chill. "Then let us build that future together."
Silence hung, filled by heartbeat pounding in Tian's ears. Slowly, shyly, he reached for her hand.
Under the auroras, Yuexin clasped it, and refused ever to let go.
🔥 End of Chapter 15