But how? How had he done it?
But this wasn’t the time to dwell on the how. She needed to see him to understand his current mindset.
She projected herself to the patio. Her form flickered into being just beyond the threshold, light and shadow dancing across her translucent silhouette.
And there they were. Jian Ci, arms wrapped around Yu Xi.
Yu Xi, holding him close, stroking his hair with a tenderness that was almost reverent. It wasn’t the first time she had seen them hug each other.
But this time was different. Yu Xi’s eyes dark, glinting with something primal met hers. And Seraphyne froze.
There was no fear in his gaze. No surprise. Only a flicker of madness, of territorial warning, like she had stepped into a space that belonged to him.
She felt it in her soul. The same chill she had once felt in Thaurion’s presence.
Only this time, it was wrapped in affection. In devotion. In something far more dangerous.
Because Yu Xi wasn’t cruel. He was tender and that made him infinitely more terrifying.
Seraphyne vanished without a word, her projection collapsing into mist.
Back in her sanctuary in the basement, she sat in silence, her hands trembling.
She had always been wary of Yu Xi. Hence the blood oath. It was a precaution. A way to protect her family.
But now she knew he was Eros’s blood. A direct descendant of the man who had once tried to tear the Virelia apart. And worse he was an anomaly. A psychic profile that didn’t fit any known classification. A variable the system couldn’t predict.
The only thing keeping Yu Xi docile was Jian Ci’s closeness. But what if that changed? What if Jian Ci discovered the truth? What if he rejected him? Would her son suffer what she had suffered? Would he be imprisoned and tortured?
Seraphyne’s eyes narrowed. She had to find another way to protect Jian Ci just in case.
Meanwhile, Jian Ci had no idea of his mother’s silent dread.
Yu Xi pulled away from the hug, the warmth of Jian Ci’s embrace slipping from his skin like mist.
Jian Ci’s arms lingered in the air, reluctant. "Little Xi," he murmured, "let brother hold you a bit longer."
Yu Xi picked up his mug, masking the ache in his chest with a smile. "No. My tea’s getting cold."
Jian Ci pouted, then reached forward and lifted Yu Xi’s legs, placing them across his lap. They sat face to face now, the intimacy casual, familiar.
Jian Ci began pressing Yu Xi’s calves with his thumbs, a half-hearted massage. "How is the tea?"
Yu Xi smiled, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Good. It’s really good."
Jian Ci beamed, his whole face lighting up. If he had a tail, it would have been wagging.
Yu Xi watched him, heart twisting. "Now that you have a girlfriend, we won’t be spending as much time together." The word girlfriend tasted like ash in Yu Xi’s mouth.
Jian Ci blinked. "Nothing changes between us. We will still eat together. Study together. We will even still shower together."
Yu Xi choked on a laugh. "Fuck off. When have we ever taken a shower together?"
Jian Ci grinned. "We can take a shower together. Just to prove nothing’s changed."
Yu Xi rolled his eyes, but the smile lingered. "Already becoming a terrible boyfriend."
Jian Ci was mid-retort, lips parting with a sharp comeback, when something caught his eye.
A faint mark, peeking just above Yu Xi’s tightly wrapped collar.
He blinked. "What happened there?"
Yu Xi’s hand shot up, tugging the fabric higher. "It’s nothing. Just a healing bruise."
But Jian Ci’s eyes narrowed. Something about the way Yu Xi moved made his instincts prickle.
Yu Xi knew exactly what he was talking about. While they were having sex, Jian Ci had been like a rabid dog—desperate, unmoored, biting at Yu Xi’s neck like he needed to mark him. And Yu Xi hadn’t stopped him. He hadn’t wanted to.
It was as if some part of him had wanted the whole world to see it. To know who he belonged to.
Jian Ci leaned forward. "If it’s nothing, why are you wrapped up like a mummy? Let me see."
Yu Xi’s legs twitched, ready to retreat. "It’s fine."
Jian Ci wasn’t buying it. He reached out, grabbing Yu Xi’s legs before he could pull them away. Yu Xi’s mug clinked against the table as he set it down, eyes narrowing.
"Let go," he warned, already bracing to tussle.
"Come on," Jian Ci said, inching closer. "Let me see."
"Are you a doctor?" Yu Xi shot back, twisting to escape.
"I am not," Jian Ci admitted, grinning. "But I can help you apply ointment."
"You—!" Yu Xi swore, struggling as Jian Ci nearly pinned him to the chair.
With a sharp jab, Yu Xi pinched Jian Ci’s waist. "Ow!" Jian Ci yelped, momentarily loosening his grip.
Yu Xi took the chance to wiggle free, but Jian Ci was faster. He caught him mid-escape, spun him around, and straddled him with a triumphant grin, hands already reaching for the collar.
"Ah-Ci!" The voice cracked through the air like a whip and the both of them froze.
Jian Rui stood at the edge of the patio, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
Yu Xi, ever quick, pointed an accusatory finger. "He is harassing me."
"I am not," Jian Ci protested. "I was just checking his injuries! I don’t know why he is being so stubborn about it just let me see!"
Jian Rui raised an eyebrow. "Are you a doctor?"
Jian Ci opened his mouth. Yu Xi smirked. "That’s what I said."
Jian Ci: "..."
"Get off him." Jian Rui strode forward and, without ceremony, grabbed Jian Ci by the ear.
"Ow ow ow—alright, alright, let go!" Jian Ci whined, scrambling off Yu Xi like a scolded puppy.
Yu Xi stood, brushing off his sleeves with exaggerated dignity. It turned
out pinching the ear works too
He gave Jian Rui a grateful nod and slipped back into the house, leaving the brothers alone. Jian Ci made to follow, but Jian Rui caught his arm.
"Ah-Ci," Jian Ci said, sheepish.
Jian Rui’s voice was low. "If Alarna ever asks you to do something you don’t want to do—don’t. Even if you feel guilty. Even if it seems like the right thing."
Jian Ci froze. He instantly understood. This wasn’t just about Alarna.
It was about him. About being allowed to choose. About not being shackled by guilt or obligation.
Jian Rui’s hand tightened briefly on his shoulder. "Remember, I have your back."
Jian Ci nodded. "I understand, Rui-ge."
Jian Rui gave him a firm pat, and together, they walked back into the house.