The sky over the Hawk Clan territory glowed faintly as Feng Lihan descended from the clouds.
He landed before the main ridge—Lin Yue still cradled securely in his arms, held as carefully as something precious.
The moment his feet touched the ground, movement rippled through the clan.
Warriors stopped mid-step. Guards straightened. Eyes widened.
The Four-Star Warrior had returned.
And in his arms—like a treasured prince—was Lin Yue.
Lin Yue flushed deeply, instinctively burying his face against Feng Lihan's chest. "Lihan… everyone's looking…"
Feng Lihan didn't slow. "Let them."
Behind them, Mo Shan followed in silence.
The moment the Hawk Clan members caught sight of him, a different reaction spread—unease, fear, whispered breaths.
"A Snake Clan exile…" "That's Mo Shan…" "I heard he survived the Black Marsh alone…"
Instinctively, several warriors reached for their weapons.
Mo Shan felt it all. The fear. The recognition.
His expression remained calm, a faint smile resting on his lips, but his eyes were cold.
Feng Lihan led them past the gathering and toward the cliffside caves.
He finally stopped before a narrow cave next to feng lihan cave.
"You will live here," Feng Lihan said flatly, not looking at Mo Shan. "You may stay—but you do not cross into the inner territory without permission."
Mo Shan's fingers curled slightly.
Separated from lin yue
But he inclined his head, the picture of obedience. "As you wish."
Only the faint curve of his smile betrayed nothing.
Feng Lihan turned and carried Lin Yue into his own cave.
Inside, warmth enveloped them—the familiar scent of feathers, stone, and home.
He set Lin Yue down gently.
Only then did Feng Lihan truly look at him.
And his gaze froze.
Lin Yue was still wearing the snake-shed garment.
The soft sheen caught the firelight like a silent taunt.
Lin Yue noticed his stare and smiled awkwardly. "Oh—this? Mo Shan gave it to me. My clothes were torn when I fell, so he—"
Feng Lihan's jaw tightened.
Among snakes, shed skin was never just clothing.
It was a promise.
A mark meant only for a mate.
Why would he give you that?
Why would you accept it?
Anger burned low and dangerous in Feng Lihan's chest—not at Lin Yue…
…but at the snake who had already crossed a line Lin Yue didn't even know existed.
Feng Lihan stepped forward and reached for Lin Yue's cloak, his touch firm but careful.
"Take it off," he said quietly.
Lin Yue blinked, startled. "Now?"
"Yes."
His wings shifted slightly, shadows stretching across the cave walls.
"I'll give you something else to wear."
Lin Yue hesitated only a moment before nodding. "Alright."
As Feng Lihan turned toward the inner chamber, his thoughts were sharp and cold.
A snake does not give his shed skin to someone he has no intention of claiming.
And outside, in the cave assigned to him, Mo Shan sat alone in the dark.