Silence settled over the chamber once again.
The leading elder looked toward Xue Yao, who still sat on the floor, hugging Honghong tightly, before turning back to Lie Lang. "We have spent centuries believing every breeder who entered your chamber died because they could not endure your bloodline. After witnessing what happened today, I no longer believe that is the complete truth. Whatever is hidden inside her did not merely reject our soul-search. It protected her. I believe it is also the reason she survived the night with you."
Lie Lang looked at Xue Yao again. She was no longer listening to the conversation.
Her eyes remained fixed on Honghong as she gently stroked the little bird's feathers. Guilt filled her face, as though she blamed herself for everything that had happened.
The leading elder broke the silence once more. "Alpha, we must continue the inspection."
Lie Lang slowly turned his head.
