The sky hung low and heavy over the Azure Dragon clan.
Dark clouds gathered in slow, suffocating layers, the wind carrying the faint promise of rain. The palace below had long returned to order after the chaos of the battle, repairs underway, servants moving like shadows beneath the looming storm.
Yet above it all, Ningyan sat alone.
Perched atop the highest roof of the manor, dressed in flowing white robes, his long hair loose and swaying gently in the wind, he played his flute.
The melody was soft.... Melancholic. It drifted through the air like something unspoken.
Below, standing at the edge of the courtyard, Jun Shenzhen looked up at him.
He had arrived moments ago. And yet, he hadn't called out.
His silver reptilian eyes lingered on Ningyan's figure, a faint crease forming between his brows. For once, the ever-sharp prince hesitated.
"…Tch." He exhaled softly, then leapt.
In a single smooth motion, he landed atop the roof.
The music stopped.
