Chapter 4: The Suggestion
The night deepened. Outside, the lanterns dimmed one by one across Cloudveil Hall, the sect slipping into silence. But inside Lin Mu's chamber, the weight of words unsaid pressed heavier with every passing moment.
He still lay with his head on her shoulder. Xue Lan stroked his hair gently, and though her touch was tender, he felt it more like a mercy than a need. Her breaths were calm. Steady. His own came shallow and tight.
She was beautiful like this—quiet, soft, comfortable. But not glowing. Not radiant. Not undone the way he wanted to see her.
Not the way he had heard other women become.
Her body had barely reacted to his. She had trembled more when she'd walked barefoot across snow during winter training.
He knew it wasn't malice. She wasn't disappointed at him. She was disappointed for him.
That made it worse.
He shifted, sat up slowly, robe loose across his waist. His hands trembled slightly as he folded them in his lap.
"I've been thinking," he said quietly.