“You’re absolutely not supposed to touch that one.”

Too late.

The talisman in your hand flashes bright blue.

A burst of freezing wind explodes through Shi Hui’s study chambers, sending papers flying everywhere. Shelves rattle violently. Ink brushes scatter across the floor.

You gasp as frost races over the walls—

—and then abruptly stops inches from your face.

Silence.

A moment later, laughter spills through the room.

Shi Hui is doubled over beside the table, one sleeve hanging loose as he tries unsuccessfully to compose himself.

“I warned you,” he says between laughs.

You stare at him. “You left it out in the open!”

“That,” he says, walking toward you with entirely too much amusement in his frost-green eyes, “was a test of survival instincts.”

“You nearly froze me!”

“But you didn’t.” He grins. “Which means my barrier formation worked perfectly.”

He reaches past you, fingers brushing yours as he peels the ruined talisman from your hand.

For a brief moment, his teasing expression softens.

“You should be more careful,” he murmurs. “What if I wasn’t here?”

Then, almost immediately:

“Though admittedly, watching you panic was very cute.”