Li Hua woke in her familiar quarters within the Beast Tamer Sect, consciousness returning gradually as dawn light filtered through the window. Her hand instinctively reached for the space beside her, finding only empty sheets where Mo Xing had lain. The physical absence created a corresponding hollow in her chest—surprising in its intensity after their short time of reunion.
She traced her fingers across the cool silk bedding, noting its temperature. He had left hours ago, likely well after she had fallen asleep. The thought brought both comfort and renewed ache—he had lingered, watching over her rest for as long as he could.
The past weeks had transformed her in ways she was still processing. Learning who she had been before her modern Earth life and the true nature of her connection to Mo Xing felt like recovering pieces of her soul she hadn't known were missing.
