The defeat of Leng Feng sent shockwaves through the ancient families. The Leng clan, deprived of their aggressive heir, retreated into internal conflict. A major antagonist had been neutralized.
Returning to the estate, Ye Xia felt a chapter closing. The thirst for revenge that had fueled her for so long was finally, truly, sated. There was a hollow space where the rage had been.
It was Mo who filled it. He appeared at her door that night, without warning. He looked tired, but his eyes were clear.
"I heard," he said simply.
He didn't come inside. They stood on the balcony, watching the city lights. He didn't touch her, but his presence was a tangible comfort, an anchor in the sudden calm.
" It's done," Ye Xia said, the words feeling strange.
"One enemy down," Mo replied. "But the war isn't over. Jin Long is the real power. And my grandmother… she will see Leng Feng's fall as a power vacuum to be filled."
" I know," Ye Xia said. But for the first time, the thought of the next battle didn't fill her with dread. It felt like a challenge to be met, with him by her side.
He turned to leave, but paused. "The thing you said you wanted to build… 'ours'. I'm holding you to that."
Then he was gone, leaving her with a feeling of anticipation that was stronger than any fear.