The Dark Forest.
Beirut stood on the terrace atop the palace, his hands clasped behind his back. His gaze pierced the layers of black forest, turning toward the distant south. His eyes narrowed slightly.
"He's here."
He murmured those words, then vanished from where he stood.
Dragon Rock Territory, the Lord's Manor.
Lin Qin stood beneath the old tree in the courtyard, holding Lin An, who had just turned a month old. The infant was bundled in thick swaddling, with only his little wrinkled face showing. His eyes were half open, and a trace of drool hung at the corner of his mouth. Lin Qin looked down at him.
Aileen sat on a stone stool nearby, holding a book she was not reading. Her gaze kept drifting toward her husband and child, a faint smile on her lips.
"You've been holding him for two hours," Aileen said.
"Mm." Lin Qin acknowledged her without putting him down.
"It's time to feed him."
"Just a little longer."
Aileen sighed helplessly, rose, and walked over, reaching out to take the child. Lin Qin turned slightly, avoiding her hands.
"Just a little longer," he said.
Aileen looked at him, then suddenly smiled.
"Lin Qin," she said softly.
"Hm?"
"You're a good father."
Lin Qin fell silent for a moment. He looked down at the infant in his arms, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "He's still little. It's too early to tell."
Aileen was about to say something when she suddenly sensed a powerful aura rapidly approaching from the horizon.
Lin Qin sensed it too.
He handed the infant to Aileen, his movements gentle but swift. "Go inside."
Aileen took the child and glanced at him. Without asking any questions, she turned, went inside, and shut the door.
Lin Qin stood in the