Before Yun and Shara could cross the threshold of the pavilion, the air outside ignited. The temperature rose so violently that the sandalwood doors began to char. A silhouette descended from the sky, riding a bird made of pure crimson fire. This was Huo Meilin, the "Blazing Pearl" of the Fire Phoenix Clan.
"So, the rumor is true," Meilin said, her voice like the crackle of a burning forest. She stepped off her mount, her red silk dress fluttering. Her eyes were fixed on Yun, ignoring the Grand Elder. "A boy who devours Qi. My clan's prophecy says that the one who can extinguish my Everlasting Nirvana Flame is the only man worthy of my hand... and my life."
Shara moved instinctively, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. "He is not an object for your prophecies, girl. Leave now, or the Lótus Eterno will consider this an act of war."
Meilin laughed, a sound of pure arrogance. "War? Your sect is already terrified of him. I am the only one offering him a throne." In an instant, she lunged. Her hand, wreathed in white-hot fire, aimed directly for Yun's heart.
Yun didn't flinch. As the flame touched his chest, the violet mark on his neck pulsed. Instead of burning, the fire was pulled into his skin, turning into gray smoke that his bones greedily absorbed. Meilin's eyes widened. She tried to pull away, but Yun grabbed her wrist.
The contact sent a jolt through both of them. To Meilin, it felt like her soul was being pulled into a cool, endless night. To Yun, her fire was the first "meal" that tasted like passion.
"Your flame is loud," Yun whispered, pulling her closer until their chests touched. "But it is cold compared to the void."
Meilin, usually the hunter, found herself trembling. The arrogance in her eyes was replaced by a dazed, primal attraction. "You... you really are the one."
Shara, seeing the connection, felt a sting of jealousy she hadn't expected. She stepped between them, breaking the contact. "The Sect Master is coming. If you want him, Meilin, you'll have to help us escape. A 'husband' is useless if he's sealed in a cage."
Meilin smirked, her fire turning a deeper shade of red. "Then let us burn a path out of here. Together."