The stars scattered across the crimson canvas above as they walked back to the palace.
Rui's gaze drifted to a plum tree in bloom along their path. Its delicate petals fell in a gentle cascade, one landing in her outstretched palm.
Despite being surrounded by her companions, Rui felt an emptiness that the evening's warmth couldn't fill.
Jin would have appreciated this, she thought, closing her fingers around the petal.
His absence was a void that none of the others could fill, not even combined.
"You're thinking of him," Ran said softly, his voice carrying no accusation.
Rui nodded, not bothering to deny it. "The plum blossoms..."
Kee Kee nuzzled against her neck, understanding without words.
Zou glanced back, his golden eyes reflecting something deeper than jealousy—perhaps recognition of a pain he couldn't heal.
Shen remained silent, but his step faltered briefly.
The petal in her hand seemed to pulse with a familiar warmth, like an echo of Jin's presence.
