The storm had settled hours ago, but the scent of rain still clung to the air like a secret.

You stood beneath the canopy of twisted trees, watching the distant shimmer of Yuanwu Wuwa’s lightning fade into the sky. He had always been distant—more force of nature than man—but tonight, something was different. He lingered.

“I thought you'd left,” you said, your voice barely louder than the wind.

“I was going to.” His voice came from behind you, low and steady. “But something held me here.”

You turned, heart stuttering in your chest as your eyes met his. The usual storm behind his gaze was calm—no crackling fury, no cold detachment. Just... quiet.