Sha Chen carried Xin Yi through the settlement with surprising gentleness.
People stopped to stare as they passed.
Wolves pausing mid-conversation. Children pointing. Warriors bowing their heads in respect.
But Sha Chen ignored them all.
His white eyes were fixed ahead, his jaw set with determination.
"I can walk," Xin Yi mumbled weakly.
"No."
"I am not that fragile—"
"You nearly drowned. You were attacked by a kraken. You are shivering like a leaf." His arms tightened slightly. "You are not walking."
She wanted to argue. But honestly? She was too tired. Too cold. Too scared.
So she just let him carry her.
[DING! (◕‿◕)]
[Host is accepting help!]
[Character growth!]
[Also Host is too exhausted to fight! ☆]
They passed the communal dining hall. Several of Sha Chen's harem females were gathered outside, talking amongst themselves.
Měi Lán looked up first. Her expression immediately shifted to concern. "Xin Yi! What happened?!"
