The full force of Eros' attack slammed into Jian Ci. The impact reverberated through the gym, hurling him backwards. He struck the reinforced wall with a sickening thud, the sound echoing like a death knell.
A collective gasp filled the room.
Jian Ci slumped to the floor, unmoving. A thin trickle of blood traced a path down his temple, stark against his pale skin.
The violet psychic energy that had once raged around him dissipated, vanishing into the air. What remained was silence, chilling and suffocating silence.
***
Yu Xi stepped out of the shower an hour ago, steam still clinging faintly to his skin as he dressed and prepared himself. He moved with his usual calm efficiency, slipping into the outfit Jian Ci had picked for him.
When he stepped out of his walk-in closet, he froze, startled to find Xiaobao perched comfortably on his bed, swinging her legs like she owned the place.
