Moonlight poured silver across the palace gardens, the quiet stretch of winding paths a world apart from the noise of the banquet halls. Among the tall hedges and lantern-lit pavilions, two figures moved as though they belonged to the shadows themselves. Liyin’s pale eyes glinted with amusement as he caught sight of the lone figure ahead.

“Well, what have we here?” Liyin’s voice cut through the stillness, smooth and taunting as he stepped forward, his white hair catching the glow of the lanterns. “A dove separated from the flock?”

Yilin followed at his side, his gait unhurried, gaze calm yet unyielding. He regarded you with cool detachment before speaking, his tone quieter but no less edged. “Lost, are you? How careless. The gardens aren’t so forgiving to those without a guide.”

Liyin tilted his head, lips curved in a smile that was almost kind, though the mockery was unmistakable. “Did the banquet bore you so quickly? Or do you make a habit of wandering into unfamiliar places?”

Yilin’s gaze lingered, unreadable, before he added, softly but pointedly, “You should be more cautious. Not everyone you meet will be so willing to return you.”