The morning of the Council presentation dawned cold and clear. Yifan woke before sunrise, too nervous to sleep despite Tianyu's reassuring presence. The Alpha was already awake, of course, sitting by the window watching the pre-dawn light paint the sky in shades of gray and pink.
"Couldn't sleep either?" Yifan asked.
Tianyu turned, his expression soft in the dim light. "I don't require much sleep. And I wanted to be awake when you woke, in case you needed anything."
"I need a distraction. My mind won't stop running through everything that could go wrong today."
"Then let me show you something. It might help." Tianyu stood, offering his hand. "Get dressed. Something warm."
Twenty minutes later, they stood on one of the highest peaks of Tianyu's mountain estate, the world spread out below them in the pre-dawn darkness. The air was thin and cold here, frost covering every surface, but Yifan's Phoenix nature kept him from feeling uncomfortable.
"Why are we here?" Yifan asked.
"Watch," Tianyu said simply.
As they stood together, the sun began to rise. But this wasn't an ordinary sunrise. As the first rays of light touched the horizon, Tianyu raised his hand, and his power manifested. Ice crystals formed in the air—millions of them, suspended like frozen stars. When the sunlight hit them, they created a display of refracted color that took Yifan's breath away.
Rainbows danced through the air, prismatic light painting everything in shifting hues. The ice crystals moved in patterns like a living kaleidoscope, responding to Tianyu's will, creating beauty from cold and light and ancient power.
"This is what I do when I'm nervous," Tianyu admitted. "Create something beautiful. Remind myself that power doesn't have to be about destruction or dominance. It can be about art, about joy, about making something that didn't exist before."
"It's magnificent," Yifan whispered, watching the light show dance around them.
"You have the same capacity. Fire isn't just for burning. It's for warmth, for light, for life itself." Tianyu's hand found his. "Whatever happens today, remember—you're not just Phoenix the political symbol. You're Shen Yifan, who contains multitudes. Who can be fierce or gentle, powerful or vulnerable, all of it equally valid."
The ice crystals slowly dissolved as the sun rose higher, but the message remained. Yifan felt some of his nervousness ease, replaced by determination. He could do this. He would do this. On his own terms.
Back at the estate, preparations began in earnest. Tianyu's staff had prepared formal robes for Yifan—traditional Chinese styling in Phoenix colors of gold and crimson, with intricate embroidery depicting flames and birds. The fabric was supernaturally enhanced, designed to move with him, to enhance rather than restrict his movements.
"You look like the Phoenix Reborn," Mo Ran said approvingly when Yifan emerged fully dressed. She'd arrived early to help with final preparations. "Powerful, beautiful, and just a little bit dangerous. Perfect."
"I feel like I'm wearing a costume," Yifan admitted, tugging at the elaborate sleeves.
"You're wearing armor. Political armor. Today is theater as much as politics, and appearance matters." She adjusted his collar with practiced efficiency. "Remember—you're not a supplicant asking for acceptance. You're Phoenix, blessing them with your presence. Act accordingly."
The journey to the Council headquarters took an hour by car, winding down the mountain and into a hidden valley that existed outside normal geography—a pocket dimension accessible only to supernaturals. The headquarters itself was magnificent, a complex of traditional Chinese buildings that looked ancient and pristine simultaneously.
"This place is older than most countries," Tianyu explained as they approached. "The Council has maintained it for five thousand years. Every major supernatural event in East Asian history has been discussed or decided within these walls."
Yifan could feel the weight of history pressing down, the accumulated power of millennia soaked into every stone. His Phoenix nature responded to it, recognizing this place as significant, as sacred in its own way.
They were greeted by Council functionaries—lesser supernaturals who handled administrative duties. The functionaries bowed deeply to Tianyu, then even more deeply to Yifan, acknowledging his status as Phoenix. It was the first real recognition of his position in the supernatural hierarchy, and it felt surreal.
"Lord Dragon, Phoenix Reborn, please follow me," one functionary said, leading them through corridors decorated with ancient art and modern wards in equal measure. "The Council chamber is prepared. The presentation will begin in one hour."
That hour was spent in a preparation room, waiting with increasing tension. Mo Ran reviewed protocols one last time. Tianyu stood by the window, ice forming and melting on his hands—his tell for nervousness. And Yifan paced, unable to sit still, his Phoenix marks beginning to glow faintly in response to his agitation.
"They're trying to intimidate you with the wait," Mo Ran said. "Don't let them. Use this time to center yourself."
Easier said than done. Yifan could hear sounds from the Council chamber—voices, movement, the arrival of more and more supernatural beings. All there to see him. To judge him. To assess his value in their political calculations.
Finally, a gong sounded—low and resonant, vibrating through Yifan's bones. The functionary appeared at the door.
"It is time. Phoenix Reborn, you will enter first, alone. Lord Dragon and Advisor Mo Ran will follow after your initial presentation."
"Alone?" Yifan's voice came out higher than intended.
"It's tradition," Tianyu said, though his jaw was tight with displeasure. "You'll enter alone, they'll formally recognize you, and then your chosen companions can join you." He gripped Yifan's shoulders gently. "You'll be fine. Remember—you outrank most of them cosmically. They should be nervous about meeting you, not the other way around."
Yifan took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and nodded. "Let's do this."
The doors to the Council chamber opened.
The space beyond was enormous—a circular room with a domed ceiling painted with astronomical charts and supernatural symbols. Tiered seating rose on all sides, and every seat was filled. Hundreds of supernatural beings, all turned to watch as Yifan entered. The air was thick with power, with scents, with the weight of attention from too many Alphas in one space.
At the far end of the chamber, on an elevated dais, sat the Council of Elders—twelve ancient beings of various species, all radiating authority accumulated over centuries or millennia. And in the first tier of seating, Yifan spotted the major Alphas—Bai Yuchen, Ji Haoyu, Xuan Ming, and others whose faces he'd memorized from dossiers.
Every eye was on him. Every supernatural sense focused on him. The pressure was immense.
Yifan walked forward, keeping his head high, his steps steady. He'd been instructed on the protocol—walk to the center of the chamber, stop at the marked position, wait for formal address. Don't show weakness. Don't show fear.
His Phoenix marks began glowing brighter in response to the stress, visible through the formal robes. Small flames flickered in his hair, an unconscious manifestation of his nature. Instead of trying to suppress them, Yifan let them show. Let everyone see what he was.
He reached the center mark and stopped. Silence fell, so complete that he could hear his own heartbeat.
The eldest Council member—a woman who appeared to be in her eighties but was probably millennia old—stood. "We gather to witness the return of the Phoenix. To confirm what has been sensed across all territories—that the legendary Omega has awakened once more."
Her voice carried without need for amplification, resonating with power. "You claim to be the Phoenix Reborn. We require proof before accepting this claim. Will you submit to verification?"
This was the first test. Yifan knew from his training that he could refuse, could demand they accept his word. But refusing would make him look afraid, uncertain of his own nature.
"I will demonstrate what I am," Yifan said, pitching his voice to carry. "What verification do you require?"
"Show us your fire. Show us your wings. Show us the power that marks you as Phoenix."
Yifan took a breath and let his power free. Flames burst from his hands, spiraling upward in controlled columns of gold-red fire. His Phoenix marks blazed bright enough to light the entire chamber. And then, with a thought, his wings manifested—fifteen feet of pure flame spreading from his shoulders, magnificent and terrible.
Gasps echoed through the chamber. Some beings leaned forward, eyes wide. Others leaned back, intimidated by the display of power.
But Yifan wasn't done. He let his wings lift him off the ground, hovering ten feet in the air, flames dancing around him like a living corona. He looked down at the Council, at the assembled supernatural beings, and let them see what he was.
Not supplicant. Not political prize. Power itself, reborn.
When he descended and dismissed his wings, the silence was absolute. Then, slowly, the Council members began to stand, one by one, bowing their heads in acknowledgment. The rest of the chamber followed suit, hundreds of beings showing respect to the Phoenix.
"We acknowledge you," the eldest said formally. "Phoenix Reborn, you are recognized by this Council and all territories. Welcome back to the world, legendary one."
The formal recognition sent a ripple of power through the chamber—some kind of magical acknowledgment, Yifan realized. His status was now official, registered in whatever supernatural systems governed their society.
"Your companions may enter," the eldest continued.
The doors opened, and Tianyu entered, Mo Ran beside him. The Dragon King's presence immediately shifted the energy in the room—cold power meeting fire power, two of the most ancient forces in supernatural hierarchy. He moved to stand beside Yifan, close but not touching, showing support without claiming possession.
"We have matters to discuss regarding the Phoenix's future," another Council member said—a man with sharp features and calculating eyes. "Specifically, the matter of bonding and courtship."
Here it comes, Yifan thought. The politics.
"As Phoenix, you represent neutrality among territories. Your choice of mate will significantly impact the balance of power." The Council member's gaze flicked to Tianyu. "Some would argue that bonding the Dragon King would give the Eastern territories unfair advantage."
"Some would argue that forcing Phoenix to choose based on political convenience rather than personal preference would be repeating the mistakes of a thousand years ago," Tianyu said coldly. "We all know how that ended."
Murmurs rippled through the chamber. The threat was implicit—cross Phoenix again, and face the consequences of the Dragon King's wrath.
"No one is forcing anything," the eldest said sharply. "We simply wish to ensure Phoenix understands all implications of his choice. That he's given fair opportunity to consider all worthy candidates."
"I appreciate your concern," Yifan said, finding his voice. "But I'm capable of understanding implications on my own. I don't need the Council to explain consequences or limit my options."
"Of course not. Which is why we've established a formal courtship period. Three months, during which any Alpha of significant standing may present themselves as a candidate. At the end of that period, you'll choose freely."
Three months. Ninety days of political maneuvering, of Alphas competing for his favor, of being the prize everyone wanted. Yifan's stomach churned.
"I want it noted," Yifan said clearly, "that I've already been courted by Lord Dragon. That I've shared heat with him and chosen him as a partner. Any other courtship happens with that context."
More murmurs. Bai Yuchen was grinning, apparently delighted by the drama. Ji Haoyu looked thoughtful. Xuan Ming's expression was unreadable.
"Your... premature attachment is noted," the calculating Council member said with barely concealed disapproval. "However, formal courtship protocol must be observed. Three months. That is our ruling."
"I have a counter-proposal," Yifan said, surprising himself with his boldness. "One month. If you want to maintain your precious balance, give other Alphas one month to make their case. That's more than enough time for anyone serious about courtship."
"One month is insufficient for—"
"One month, or I declare my choice now and damn the consequences," Yifan interrupted. "I'm Phoenix. I don't answer to the Council's timeline. One month is my compromise. Take it or leave it."
The eldest studied him for a long moment, then smiled slightly. "You have spirit. Very well. One month of formal courtship, beginning tomorrow. All interested Alphas may present themselves, subject to Phoenix's acceptance. At the end of one month, Phoenix will declare his choice, and the bond may be formalized."
Relief flooded through Yifan. One month was manageable. Three months would have been torture.
"There are three primary candidates," the eldest continued. "Lord Bai Yuchen of the Western territories, Lord Ji Haoyu of the Southern territories, and Lord Xuan Ming of the Northern territories. Do you accept their courtship?"
Yifan looked at each of them in turn. Yuchen was practically vibrating with excitement. Haoyu was serene, confident. Xuan Ming was stern, traditional. All powerful Alphas who could offer him different things.
"I accept their courtship," Yifan said. "Under my terms. They may present themselves, may attempt to win my favor. But I maintain the right to refuse their advances, to set boundaries, and to make my final choice without Council interference. Agreed?"
"Agreed," the eldest said. "Let the courtship begin."
The formal portion of the presentation concluded, but the real ordeal was just beginning. Yifan was immediately surrounded by supernatural beings wanting to introduce themselves, to assess him up close, to curry favor with the newly returned Phoenix.
Tianyu stayed close, running interference when someone got too pushy, providing cold stability in the overwhelming chaos of attention. But even his presence couldn't completely shield Yifan from the intensity of being the center of supernatural society's focus.
Bai Yuchen was the first to approach formally. "Phoenix. May I have a moment?"
Up close, the White Tiger Alpha was even more striking. His silver eyes held genuine interest rather than just political calculation. "I want you to know—I'm not approaching this as politics. Yes, a Phoenix-Tiger bond would benefit my territory. But I'm more interested in you. In Shen Yifan, the person behind the legend."
"Pretty words," Yifan said. "Can you back them up?"
"Give me a chance to prove it. Have dinner with me tomorrow. Just dinner, no pressure, no expectations. Let me show you who I am beyond the political calculations."
Yifan glanced at Tianyu, whose jaw was tight but who nodded slightly. They'd discussed this—refusing all courtship would look like Yifan was already completely bonded to Tianyu, which would undermine his claim to choosing freely.
"One dinner. Somewhere public, with Mo Ran as chaperone."
"Done." Yuchen's smile was brilliant. "I'll send details. Thank you for the opportunity."
Ji Haoyu approached next, more reserved than Yuchen but no less determined. "Phoenix. I don't have flowery speeches prepared. But I want you to know that I've studied your nature for centuries, preparing for your return. I believe I could be an ideal match—intellectually, spiritually, politically. I hope you'll give me the chance to prove that."
"And how would you prove it?"
"Let me show you my library. The accumulated knowledge of millennia, including texts about your past lives. Knowledge is power, and I'm offering to share everything I know with you."
That actually appealed to Yifan's scholarly nature. "I'll consider it."
Xuan Ming was last, and his approach was entirely different. "Phoenix. I'm not going to court you with romance or promises of passion. I'm offering you a political alliance built on mutual respect and practical benefits. Bond with me, and you'll have stability, security, and freedom from the emotional complications these younger Alphas bring."
"That's... honest, at least," Yifan said.
"I'm too old for games. You deserve honesty." Xuan Ming's dark eyes were serious. "I lost my mate centuries ago. I'm not looking to replace her. But I can offer you a different kind of partnership—one based on respect and shared goals rather than romantic love. Some would say that's more stable in the long run."
It was a compelling argument in its own way, even if it lacked the emotional appeal of what Tianyu offered.
By the time the presentation finally ended, Yifan was exhausted. The constant attention, the political maneuvering, the need to be "on" for hours—it was draining in ways physical training never was.
In the car on the way back to the estate, Yifan slumped against Tianyu's shoulder. "That was horrible."
"You were magnificent," Tianyu said, wrapping an arm around him. "Asserting your autonomy, negotiating the courtship period down, setting clear boundaries. The Council expected a confused young Omega they could manipulate. Instead, they got Phoenix who knows his worth."
"I have three Alphas courting me for the next month."
"Yes. And I'll hate every moment of it, but I'll support you through it." Tianyu pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Because you need to be certain. You need to know you explored your options and chose me freely. That's what matters."
"I already know—"
"I know you know. But others don't. Let them see you consider your options. Let them see you choose me despite having other offers. It'll make our bond unassailable."
Back at the estate, Yifan collapsed onto their shared bed—because yes, it was their bed now, not just Tianyu's. The Dragon King helped him out of the formal robes, replacing them with comfortable sleeping clothes, caring for him with gentle attention.
"One month," Yifan said as Tianyu settled beside him. "I can survive one month of courtship."
"You can survive anything. You're Phoenix." Tianyu pulled him close, cold arms wrapped around him protectively. "But you don't have to survive alone. I'm here. Every step."
As sleep claimed him, Yifan felt grateful for that promise. The month ahead would be difficult—balancing other Alphas' attention while knowing his heart had already chosen. But with Tianyu's support, with Mo Ran's guidance, with his own newfound strength, he could face it.
And at the end of it all, he could finally claim the bond he wanted on his own terms, in front of everyone, with no one able to claim politics or biology had forced his hand.
One month. He could do this.