Query Failed, Query Successful!

Aiselandier lowered her lashes, her throat bobbing faintly. That warm, viscous liquid slid down her esophagus, and she instinctively pressed her lips together, her slightly curled fingers still resting against her knees.

After a long while, she looked up at Lu Yuan. The corners of her eyes were tinged faintly red, and her voice was as sweet as honey, her final syllable drawn out with a trace of languidness from having only just recovered. "Ah~ So this is what life tastes like?"

Lu Yuan leaned back against the cold steel wall, the oppressive tightness in his chest mostly gone. His fingers stirred, then naturally came to rest atop her head, slowly stroking down her gray hair. Her hair was cool as moonlight, yet his palm felt warm. "Aiselandier, thank you."

He paused, lowering his voice. "Just now... were you alright?"

Aiselandier tilted her head, the tips of her ears quietly flushing pale pink. She waved a hand, the curve of her lips carrying a smile as faint as ripples on water. "What are you saying? It was only right."

Once they had tidied themselves up, the two walked side by side out through the fortress's narrow doorway. Outside, the wind swept fine sand toward them, sending her gray hair fluttering. She turned her face slightly, her soft gaze falling on Lu Yuan's profile. "See you in half a year."

Lu Yuan nodded and answered, "Mm. See you in half a year."

Before his words had even faded, Aiselandier had already stepped forward half a pace and slipped into his arms of her own accord.

Her arms looped around his waist. She did not hold him tightly, but she pressed firmly against him. Lu Yuan hesitated for a moment before raising his own hands and loosely embracing her back.

The wind