The sun was barely above the horizon when Xu Wang, Li Wang, and Mei Ling set off from the devastated vilge, leaving behind the ruins and the mournful cries of the survivors. The road to Lianhua stretched before them, a winding trail through dense forests and rugged hills. Xu Wang walked ahead, his posture tense, shoulders heavy with guilt. Li Wang and Mei Ling followed closely, their faces shadowed by exhaustion and grief.

  Silence hung over them, broken only by the crunch of leaves beneath their feet. The memory of the Yin beasts’ attack still haunted their minds—vilgers’ screams, blood staining the ground, and the cruel scent of death lingering in the air.

  Mei Ling’s gaze drifted to Xu Wang, his form outlined against the morning light. His hair ruffled in the breeze, his steps steady but burdened. She could see his clenched fists, the rigidness in his back. *He bmes himself...* she realized, her chest tightening.

  But another feeling crept in, unbidden—a warmth, a flutter she had been trying to ignore. It had started subtly, growing with every battle fought together, every gnce exchanged. Her eyes lingered on his face, tracing his sharp jawline, the fierce determination in his eyes. Her heart quickened.

  *No...* she scolded herself. *This isn’t right. He’s not mine to desire.*

  She turned away, biting her lip, but the feeling refused to fade. It twisted inside her, a mix of admiration, longing, and guilt. She looked at Li Wang walking beside her, her face serene despite the chaos they had endured. *They belong together... like two halves of a whole.*

  Yet the thought only deepened the ache in her chest.

  ### Day One – Uneasy Distance

  The first day of their journey passed in uneasy silence. Xu Wang remained distant, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. Li Wang made attempts to comfort him, offering gentle words, her hand brushing against his arm. He responded with a faint smile but said little.

  Mei Ling kept her distance, conflicted by her own emotions. She watched them from afar, her heart sinking each time Xu Wang leaned into Li’s warmth. Jealousy, sharp and bitter, pricked at her soul. But she swallowed it down, forcing herself to look away.

  The sky began to darken as they reached the edge of the forest. Xu Wang finally spoke, his voice quiet. “We should camp here for the night. The next stretch is steep; it’ll be safer to climb at dawn.”

  They nodded, setting up their makeshift camp beneath the trees. A small fire crackled, its warmth chasing away the evening chill.

  Li Wang sat close to Xu, her eyes fixed on his face. “You should rest. You’ve been carrying this weight all day.” Her voice was soft, ced with concern.

  Xu Wang hesitated, his gaze falling to the fmes. “I... failed them. Those vilgers... if only I were stronger...”

  Mei Ling felt a pang of pain at his words. She wanted to reach out, to tell him it wasn’t his fault, but the words died in her throat. She watched as Li Wang leaned closer, her hand resting on his.

  “You can’t save everyone,” Li whispered, her eyes glistening. “But you saved us. You’re not alone, Xu.”

  His shoulders trembled, the wall he had built around himself cracking. He nodded, his hand tightening around Li’s. Mei Ling looked away, her chest aching.

  ### Day Two – Tension Unraveled

  The next day’s journey was quieter, tension hanging thick in the air. Mei Ling tried to distract herself by scouting ahead, avoiding Xu Wang’s gaze. But she could feel Li Wang’s eyes on her, sharp and knowing.

  They stopped to rest by a clear stream, refilling their waterskins. Mei Ling knelt by the water’s edge, spshing her face to hide the tears threatening to fall. She felt a presence behind her and stiffened.

  “Mei Ling,” Li Wang’s voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. “We need to talk.”

  Mei Ling stood, her heart racing. She turned to face Li, who crossed her arms, her eyes cold and piercing.

  “You’re in love with Xu Wang.”

  The accusation hung in the air, heavy and undeniable. Mei Ling opened her mouth to deny it, but the words wouldn’t come. She lowered her head, shame washing over her. “...I didn’t mean to... I never wanted to come between you...”

  Li Wang’s gaze softened, but only slightly. “I can see how you look at him. But you need to understand something. Xu Wang is mine. I’ve loved him long before you appeared. And he belongs with me.”

  Mei Ling’s fists clenched, her nails digging into her palms. “I know that... but I can’t help how I feel.”

  Li Wang stepped closer, her eyes narrowing. “Then you need to control yourself. Because I won’t let you have him.” She took a breath, her voice dropping lower. “If you want to be by his side, fine. But remember this: I will be his first wife. I will be his first love... his first time. Do you understand?”

  Mei Ling’s face flushed, heat rushing to her cheeks. “That’s... that’s not what I...”

  “Then don’t even think about deflowering him before me.” Li’s words were cold, firm. “He’s mine first. Always.”

  Mei Ling’s shoulders trembled, her heart shattering. She looked away, blinking back tears. “I... I would never... I only want him to be happy.”

  Li Wang’s expression softened, a hint of pity in her eyes. “Then stay by his side... but remember your pce.”

  Mei Ling’s chest tightened, pain ripping through her. But she nodded, unable to find her voice.

  ### Campfire Confessions

  That night, they made camp beneath a canopy of stars. Xu Wang seemed more rexed, the burden of guilt easing under Li Wang’s gentle care. He ughed softly at one of Li’s jokes, his eyes warm. Mei Ling watched them from across the fire, a hollow ache in her chest.

  Xu’s gaze shifted to her, concern flickering in his eyes. “Mei Ling, are you alright? You’ve been quiet today.”

  She forced a smile, swallowing her pain. “I’m fine... just tired.”

  Xu Wang’s face softened, his voice gentle. “You’ve been looking out for us the whole way. I appreciate it... I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  Mei Ling’s heart skipped a beat, warmth blooming inside her. But she caught Li Wang’s eyes, a silent warning. The warmth turned to ice, cold and sharp.

  She looked down, her voice a whisper. “I’ll always be by your side... no matter what.”

  Xu smiled, not noticing the tension. “I’m gd... I feel stronger with you both here.”

  Li Wang leaned against his shoulder, her eyes fshing with victory. Mei Ling looked away, tears burning behind her eyes. *Always by his side... but never by his heart.*

  The fire crackled, its warmth a cruel contrast to the coldness settling in her soul. Mei Ling closed her eyes, a silent promise forming. *I’ll protect him... even if it means breaking my own heart.*

  The wind whispered through the trees, carrying their unspoken words into the night. The journey to Lianhua continued, but the path ahead was tangled with emotions—love, jealousy, and sacrifice. And none of them were prepared for what awaited them in the vilge of secrets.

  To be continued......