Reunion, Zi Yan Leaps into Lu Heng's Arms

Lu Heng stepped into the courtyard.

Han Yue stood at the foot of the stone steps, her silver gown glowing softly beneath the dim yellow lamplight.

She did not move. She merely lifted her head and looked at him.

Her snow-white face was calm, and the corners of her lips even held the faintest, nearly imperceptible smile.

But Lu Heng's gaze fell upon her hands.

They hung at her sides, her fingers slightly curled as they gripped the seam of her skirt.

The silver brocade had been wrinkled from her grip, and the veins on the backs of her hands were faintly visible.

She was using all her strength to make herself appear calm.

Lu Heng's heart suddenly sank, and he felt a pang of heartache.

He said nothing. Taking the steps two at a time, he crossed the stone stairs and came to stand before her.

Han Yue tilted her face up at him, her lips moving as though she wanted to say something.

Lu Heng reached out and pulled her straight into his arms.

Han Yue's body stiffened for an instant.

Then she went soft all over, burying her face in his chest as her shoulders began to tremble faintly.

She made no sound. Only the fingers clutching his lapels tightened more and more.

Lu Heng tightened his arms around her, resting his chin atop her hair.

Her long silver hair carried a faint, icy fragrance, exactly as he remembered.

"I'm back," Lu Heng said.

Han Yue rubbed her face against his chest and sniffled.

Her voice came out muffled. "Three years and two months."

Lu Heng gently patted her back.

"I'm sorry," Lu Heng continued. "I came back late."

Han Yue did not speak. Her shoulders trembled slightly, then slowly, gradually relaxed, until all her weight rested