The morning after Yifan's heat ended, he woke to sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows and the smell of food. Real food—not the simple broths and light meals Tianyu had fed him during heat, but the rich aromas of a proper breakfast. His stomach growled in response, reminding him that he'd spent a week burning through calories at an supernatural rate.
Tianyu was already awake, naturally, sitting in a chair near the bed with a book. He looked better than he had during heat—still tired, but no longer haggard. The ice that had been constantly forming and melting on his fingers had stopped, his control fully restored.
"Good morning," the Dragon King said, setting his book aside. "How do you feel?"
"Hungry. Sore. Clear-headed." Yifan stretched, testing his body's limits. Everything ached in that pleasant post-exertion way, but nothing felt wrong. "Is that breakfast I smell?"
"My kitchen staff has prepared a feast. They're very excited to finally feed you properly." Tianyu's smile was warm. "They've been complaining all week that I wouldn't let them prepare elaborate meals, only simple things that wouldn't upset your stomach during heat."
"You have kitchen staff who care about feeding me?"
"You're important to me. Therefore, you're important to them. They take pride in caring for those under this roof." Tianyu stood, offering his hand. "Come. Let's get you fed properly. Then we need to talk about what happens next."
The "talking" part made Yifan's stomach clench with nerves, but he accepted Tianyu's hand and let the Alpha help him up. His legs were steadier than expected, though Tianyu still hovered close in case he stumbled.
They didn't go to a formal dining room. Instead, Tianyu led him to a smaller, more intimate space—a breakfast room with windows overlooking the estate's gardens. The table was set for two, and the food laid out was indeed a feast: congee and dumplings, fresh fruit and pastries, tea and juice and various side dishes.
"This is too much," Yifan protested.
"You need to rebuild your strength. Eat what appeals to you. The staff will be pleased if you enjoy their efforts, but they won't be offended if you can't finish everything."
Yifan discovered he was ravenous. He ate until comfortably full, trying a bit of everything, while Tianyu watched with obvious satisfaction. The Alpha ate much less, seemingly content to observe Yifan's appetite returning.
"You said we need to talk," Yifan said eventually, setting down his chopsticks. "About what comes next?"
"Yes. Your heat postponed the Council presentation, but it didn't cancel it. We have three days until you're required to appear before the entire supernatural community." Tianyu's expression grew serious. "Those three days need to be spent preparing you for what's coming. It won't be pleasant."
"Tell me everything. I'd rather know what I'm facing."
Tianyu leaned back in his chair, organizing his thoughts. "The Council presentation serves multiple purposes. First, it's formal confirmation of your identity—proving to everyone that you are indeed the Phoenix Reborn. Second, it's a declaration of your availability for courtship. Third, it's political theater where various factions will try to assess your power, your personality, and your potential usefulness to their interests."
"Sounds delightful," Yifan said dryly.
"It's not meant to be pleasant. It's meant to be intimidating. The Council wants you off-balance, uncertain, so you'll be more likely to accept their guidance rather than assert your own autonomy." Tianyu's eyes hardened. "Which is why we're going to spend the next three days making sure you're anything but uncertain."
"What do I need to know?"
"Everything. The major players, the political factions, the rules of engagement, your rights as Phoenix, the ways they'll try to manipulate you, the traps to avoid." Tianyu pulled out what looked like a tablet—surprisingly modern technology for someone so ancient. "I've compiled dossiers on everyone who'll be at the presentation. We'll go through them together."
The rest of breakfast was spent with Tianyu explaining the supernatural political landscape. The Four Guardian territories—East (Dragon), West (Tiger), South (Phoenix), North (Tortoise)—and how they balanced power. The Council of Elders that supposedly maintained neutrality but was actually deeply political. The various clans within each territory that jockeyed for influence.
"Phoenix is unique," Tianyu explained, "because you're not just the Guardian of the South. You're also a symbol of renewal, rebirth, and neutrality. Historically, Phoenix doesn't take sides in territorial disputes. You're meant to be above politics."
"But bonding you would end that neutrality."
"Exactly. Which is why Bai Yuchen and others will argue that you should choose someone other than me, to maintain balance." Tianyu's expression was carefully neutral. "They're not wrong, politically speaking. Phoenix bonding Dragon strengthens the East significantly and disrupts the equilibrium."
"Do you agree with them?"
"No. Because the alternative is forcing you to choose based on politics rather than personal preference, and I will die before I let that happen to you again." The intensity in Tianyu's voice left no room for doubt. "But I want you to understand the arguments you'll face. Knowledge is power, especially in the Council chambers."
They spent the morning reviewing dossiers. Bai Yuchen, the White Tiger Alpha—charismatic, aggressive, politically savvy, with a reputation for getting what he wanted through charm or force. Ji Haoyu, the Qilin Alpha—scholarly, patient, manipulative in subtle ways, believed in destiny and traditional roles. Xuan Ming, the Xuanwu (Black Tortoise) Alpha—oldest of the major Alphas, conservative, valued political alliances over romance.
"These three will definitely pursue courtship," Tianyu said. "Others might as well, but these are your primary... competitors for my affection, I suppose."
"How do you feel about that?" Yifan asked. "Knowing other Alphas will be courting me?"
"I hate it." Tianyu's eyes flashed gold briefly. "Every instinct I have demands I hide you away, claim you completely, prevent anyone else from even looking at you. But I also know that doing so would destroy what we're building. You need to make an informed choice, which means meeting your options, even if it kills me to watch."
The honesty was refreshing. "Thank you for not pretending you're fine with it."
"I'll never lie to you about my feelings. I'm possessive, jealous, and territorial. I'm working on it, but those instincts don't disappear just because I know they're problematic." Tianyu reached across the table to take Yifan's hand. "What matters is that I don't act on them in ways that harm you or restrict your freedom. I can feel jealous without being controlling. That's the difference."
After lunch, Tianyu took Yifan to a different part of the estate—a formal training ground that was more elaborate than the one Yifan had used before. Here, there were wards specifically designed to contain and test supernatural abilities, targets for practicing precision, and various equipment Yifan didn't recognize.
"Your powers," Tianyu said. "We need to assess where you are currently and prepare you for demonstration."
"Demonstration?"
"The Council will require you to display your abilities. It's partly to verify your identity, but it's also political—showing your strength establishes your position in the hierarchy." Tianyu gestured to the training ground. "Show me what you can do. Don't hold back."
Yifan had been practicing his abilities sporadically since manifestation, but never with real focus. Now, under Tianyu's watchful eye, he began to push his limits.
Fire came easily now—he could summon flames to his palms, create shapes from fire, adjust the temperature and color. But when Tianyu encouraged him to try larger displays, Yifan discovered he could create walls of flame, send fire whips cracking through the air, even create a ring of fire that danced at his command.
"Good," Tianyu said. "What about flight?"
"I haven't actually tried flying yet. Just the flame wings during manifestation."
"Try now. The wards will catch you if you fall."
Concentrating, Yifan summoned his wings—not physical appendages but constructs of pure Phoenix fire. They spread fifteen feet on each side, blazing gold-red and beautiful. And when he tentatively pushed off the ground, they caught the air and lifted him.
Flying was incredible. The wind in his face, the freedom of movement in three dimensions, the world spreading out beneath him. Yifan laughed with pure joy, soaring higher, testing his wings' capabilities. He could hover, dive, turn sharply—the wings responded to his thoughts intuitively.
When he finally landed, Tianyu was smiling. "You're a natural. Most Phoenix take weeks to achieve that level of control."
"It feels right. Like I've done it before."
"You have. Every life, you've had wings. Your body remembers even if your conscious mind doesn't."
They spent hours training. Tianyu pushed Yifan to try things he wouldn't have attempted alone—creating multiple fire constructs simultaneously, maintaining flames while flying, combining offense and defense. The Dragon King also taught him supernatural combat basics, how to defend against Alpha aggression, pressure points that worked on supernatural constitutions.
"I don't expect anyone to physically attack you at the presentation," Tianyu clarified. "But supernatural politics can escalate quickly. Better you know how to defend yourself just in case."
By evening, Yifan was exhausted but exhilarated. He'd discovered capabilities he hadn't known he possessed, pushed boundaries he hadn't known existed. And through it all, Tianyu had been patient, encouraging, celebrating each success and gently correcting each mistake.
"You're a good teacher," Yifan said as they walked back to the main house.
"Only because you're a good student. Eager to learn, willing to try, not afraid of failure." Tianyu's hand found his naturally, their fingers interlacing. "You impressed me today. Your power is remarkable, but more than that, your control is exceptional for someone so newly awakened."
That night, after dinner, Tianyu broached the subject Yifan had been half-dreading, half-anticipating.
"About sleeping arrangements," the Alpha said carefully. "Heat is over. You're recovered. You should have your own space, your own room. I don't want you to feel pressured to—"
"I want to stay with you," Yifan interrupted. "Not because of heat or obligation. Because I like falling asleep with you and waking up with you. Because your cold presence helps me sleep better. Because I've chosen you, and I want to be close to you."
Relief flooded Tianyu's expression. "You're certain? There's no pressure—"
"Tianyu. I'm certain. Stop trying to give me outs when I don't want them."
"I just want to make sure you know you have options—"
Yifan stood on his toes and kissed him, effectively ending the Alpha's protests. When they parted, he said firmly, "My option is you. Your bed, your room, your arms around me at night. That's what I want. Stop overthinking it."
That night, they slept together without heat driving them—just two people who'd chosen each other, sharing space and warmth and quiet contentment. Tianyu's arms around him felt safe rather than possessive, comforting rather than claiming. This was what relationship felt like beyond biology, and Yifan treasured it.
The next day brought more training, but also formal instruction. Tianyu brought in Mo Ran to teach Yifan about Council protocols, formal speech patterns, the proper ways to address different ranks of supernatural beings. It was tedious but necessary—one wrong word could create a political incident.
"The Council will try to test you," Mo Ran explained. "They'll use formal address incorrectly, expecting you to be too ignorant to correct them. Don't let them. Insist on proper respect, or they'll assume they can walk over you."
"What's the proper way to address the Council?"
"As a collective, 'Honored Council.' Individually, by their title and name—'Elder Chen,' 'Councilor Wang,' etc. But you—you're Phoenix. You outrank most of them in the cosmic hierarchy, even if you're young. You can get away with more informal address if you choose, as a subtle power play."
"Politics is exhausting," Yifan sighed.
"Yes, but you're good at it instinctively. You have presence, Yifan. Use it."
The afternoon brought an unexpected visitor. One of Tianyu's staff announced that Bai Yuchen was at the estate gates, requesting an audience.
Tianyu's expression immediately went cold. "Absolutely not. Tell him—"
"I'll see him," Yifan said.
"Yifan, no. You don't have to—"
"I want to. He's going to be at the presentation anyway. Better I meet him in controlled circumstances first." Yifan touched Tianyu's arm. "Trust me. I can handle one arrogant Alpha."
"I'll be present."
"I assumed you would be."
They met Bai Yuchen in one of the estate's formal receiving rooms—a space designed to impress and intimidate. The White Tiger Alpha was exactly as his dossier had described: platinum hair, silver eyes, muscular build, and an aura of barely contained wildness. His scent hit the room like a wave—sandalwood and storm, untamed places and raw power.
"Phoenix," Yuchen said, his voice rich and warm. His eyes raked over Yifan with obvious appreciation. "You're even more beautiful than the rumors suggested. I'm Bai Yuchen, lord of the Western Territories."
"Shen Yifan," Yifan replied coolly. "Though I suppose you already knew that."
"May I say, Dragon, you're looking well-rested. Heat must have agreed with you." The comment was deliberately provocative, acknowledging what everyone knew—that Tianyu had been Yifan's heat partner.
"Say what you came to say, Tiger," Tianyu said, ice forming on the floor around his feet. "Then leave my territory."
"So territorial. I'm here to introduce myself properly to Phoenix before the formal presentation." Yuchen's attention returned to Yifan. "I wanted you to know that you have options. Dragon may have gotten to you first, may have helped you through heat, but that doesn't mean your choice is made. I'm offering myself as an alternative—a mate who'll give you freedom rather than a cage, passion rather than cold possession."
"That's quite a sales pitch," Yifan said. "Do you have rehearsed lines for every potential mate, or was this one specially prepared for me?"
Yuchen laughed, apparently delighted. "Spirit! I like it. No, little Phoenix, this one's just for you. Though I admit, I've been planning what to say since I learned you'd manifested."
"And what exactly are you offering, besides vague promises of freedom?"
"Partnership. Alliance between Phoenix and Tiger, which would balance power rather than concentrating it in the East. A mate who matches your fire rather than trying to dampen it. Adventure, excitement, a life lived fully rather than locked away in mountain estates." His silver eyes were intense. "I've waited centuries for Phoenix to return. I won't let Dragon claim you by default just because he moved fast."
"I'm not claimed by anyone," Yifan said firmly. "And I don't appreciate being discussed like property being divied up between territories. I'll make my own choice, in my own time, based on who earns my trust and affection—not based on territory politics or who moves fastest."
"Well said." Yuchen's smile widened. "You have fire in more ways than one. I'm going to enjoy courting you, Shen Yifan. See you at the presentation."
After he left, Tianyu turned to Yifan with something like awe. "You handled that perfectly. Asserted your autonomy without insulting him, acknowledged his offer without encouraging it, set clear boundaries. Mo Ran would be proud."
"He's attractive," Yifan said honestly. "Charismatic. I can see why people are drawn to him."
Tianyu's expression flickered with something painful before he controlled it. "Yes. He is. If you wanted to explore—"
"I don't." Yifan took Tianyu's hand. "Attraction and connection are different things. He's interesting to look at. You're the one I want to build a life with. There's a difference, and I know which matters more."
The third day arrived too quickly. Tomorrow was the Council presentation, and Yifan's nerves were jangling despite his preparation. That evening, Tianyu took him to a different part of the estate—a hot spring that was somehow kept perpetually warm despite the Dragon King's cold aura.
"For relaxation," Tianyu explained. "You've been working hard. You deserve to rest before tomorrow's ordeal."
The spring was beautiful, surrounded by carefully placed rocks and winter-blooming plants. Steam rose from the water, and the temperature was perfect. Yifan sank into it with a groan of relief, feeling his tense muscles beginning to unwind.
Tianyu joined him after a moment, maintaining a respectful distance despite being in the same pool. They soaked in comfortable silence until Yifan said, "I'm nervous about tomorrow."
"That's natural. You're about to face a room full of powerful beings who all want something from you."
"What if I mess up? Say something wrong, or lose control of my powers, or—"
"You won't. But even if you do, it won't matter. You're Phoenix, Yifan. You don't need to be perfect. You just need to be yourself—strong, honest, unwilling to be intimidated." Tianyu moved closer, reaching for his hand under the water. "And I'll be there. Every moment. If things get overwhelming, look at me. I'll ground you."
"Promise?"
"Promise. You're not facing this alone."
That night, lying in Tianyu's arms, Yifan felt as prepared as he'd ever be. Tomorrow would bring challenges, political maneuvering, other Alphas trying to sway him. But he'd faced heat, power surges, and manifestation. He could face the Council.
And with Tianyu beside him, maybe he could even win.