...weaving a tangled rhythm through the quiet tavern.
The firewood in the hearth crackled and popped, casting their overlapping shadows to sway gently on the wall.
Natasha was wrapped in a blanket, only a pair of glistening eyes showing as she looked up at Feng Mountain's sharp jawline.
"Why did you jump into the Ice River to save me? Weren't you afraid?" Natasha's voice was as faint as ash drifting over the flames.
Feng Mountain tightened his arms around her waist, feeling her body heat through the blanket against his palm.
"I was scared. Of course, I was scared."
Gazing at the leaping flames, Feng Mountain's voice was low. "But if I hadn't jumped in, you would have lost your life in the Melting Ice River."
Natasha fell silent at his words.
Biting her lip, she once again reached her hand, red from the cold, out from the blanket and wrapped it around Feng Mountain's neck.
