-"Thank you…I would definitely love your company…"
The words tasted too foreign in her mouth. She could see the immediate relief and triumph flash across Yuchen's face, so quickly it might have been a trick of the light. He wasn't just being kind; it was certain that he wanted something from her. Maybe he wanted to get close to her to get some favors? Or perhaps he was trying to get into her pants. Either way, her lie had worked effectively. He bought the story of the fragile, pampered daughter of a recently deceased mandate quite easily. Oh, how effortless it was to deceive others when you had a pleasant face to look at. She smiled at him, her eyes gleaming only under the sunlight; otherwise, the spark would've never ignited.
-"Wonderful! Let's go."
Yuchen said, beaming, and gestured toward a path leading away from the lake.
-"I can take you to the city, where you can get a good meal and a place to stay. With me, of course."
He walked ahead, assuming that she would follow. Yue took a moment, glancing back at the crane's body again. The little creature's vibrant and unusual feathers had been its undoing. The cruelty of its peers, the apathy of Mother Nature herself, reminded her of the truth of this wretched world she came into. The weak were prey, and anyone who stood out became a target. Celebrated mediocrity and despised idiosyncrasy.
-"Come along, Miss Yue! There's no need to linger here."
Yuchen called out, a bit impatiently, which was odd for someone who was seemingly so kind.
Yue clenched her jaw and hurried to catch up, every stomp filled with contained rage. She followed him down a dirt path that contrasted with the bright green scenery around them. With every step, she felt more restless, the urge to snap and rip his throat off increasing every time she saw through his facade. The feeling of not doing anything like she used to, the pretense of fragility, was like a shackle. She was a celestial beast playing human, and the act was beginning to wear her down. She then looked at the lake, which was still glistening so brightly, like an invitation for her to come back again. The waves were gentle as always, and every time they hit the sand, they created a melodious sound she could hear for hours on end. While there were fewer birds now, the remaining few were as oblivious as ever, their playful squawks echoing through the water, then to her. She should've spent a little more time here…or so she thought.
Yuchen thought her silence was due to her supposed grief, and he began to speak of Yan Chuan, the man he mistook for her father. As if he knew the man personally.
-"He was a great businessman, built his fortune from nothing but the soil, just like his ancestors. He was my inspiration, you know? I'm sure his legacy is more than secure, and that you'll be well taken care of."
He says reassuringly, trying to lighten up the mood.
Legacy? Secure? The man's words were as important as a single pebble in a great river. Yue knew nothing of this Yan Chuan, only that he was a powerful enough figure to have a recognizable name in this society. She filed the information away for later use. For now, she needed to act like a grieving daughter.
-"Thank you for your kindness, Yuchen." Yue said, her voice soft and laced with fake gratitude. She had to remind herself to avoid her usual bluntness; it was a flaw that would give her away.
-"And I'm very sorry I lashed out at you, I didn't know what came over me! Perhaps my grief had made me cruel…" She wiped a tear again. Despite reminding herself multiple times that she shouldn't act so brash as usual, a hidden scowl always reappeared on her face every time Yuchen looked away.
-"Oh, no need to worry, my lady. I take no offense from it. Far beyond, even. I'm just glad that I could help in your time of need."
He turned around and hugged her this time, the audacious touch sparking a flare of rage inside the dragon.
-"This bastard just can't keep his hands to himself…" She thought while grimacing against his chest before masking it with her previous saddened expression, shaking her shoulders to emphasize her crying.
While they embraced each other, Yue could feel the familiar breeze against her body. It was reassuring, to say the least, that something was still somewhat pleasant to feel during such desperate times. It was only Yue who pulled away first; they continued their journey.
As they walked, the path broadened and the sounds of the lake gave way to the distant murmur of a bustling city. Her keen senses, even in human form, picked up on the scents of street food and the mingled odors of people and animals. It was too overwhelming for her to experience such distinctive scents in the same place, for all she used to smell was the stench of blood, the sharp smell of herbs and a hint of dirt that just couldn't help but make itself known all the time. The city's silhouette rose before them, a maze of clay and wooden structures, with a few buildings rising like pillars above the rest.
-"You must be exhausted. We can get you some food and a carriage to take you home."
Home. The word felt hollow. Her last true home was a memory of warm days and the companionship of Hairong. Now, she was an exile, a "fish out of water" in a new realm.
Hah! As if she was actually forced into this world.
-"That sounds wonderful! I don't know how to ever repay you…" Yue replied, forcing another smile.
-"Don't worry about it, Yue. I'm always happy to help those in need."
-"Yeah, right. If I were a woman who didn't reach your taste, you wouldn't have even approached me…" She thought while still seething on the inside.
As they entered the city gates, Yue felt the weight of a thousand new eyes on her. She walked beside Yuchen, keeping her delicate facade of innocence. She kept listening, smelling, and looking to see how she could fit in more, how she should walk accordingly to her supposed status, and how she should act as people expect her to.
Yue then spotted a group of young girls, around her age, in seemingly expensive silk gowns, surrounded by men twice their number. From the looks of the locals, they seemed to be important, more powerful than the rest. They were the perfect image she was looking to replicate. She slowly started to copy their etiquette, watching and learning as her overall demeanor had turned into something more elegant and delicate. While Yue was following Yuchen, he stopped and turned to her, smiling gently before he grabbed her hand.
-"You know what? Let me treat you to dinner. You must be hungry, right? Would you mind accompanying me while I shop for ingredients? I want to make something delicious for you myself."
***