By the time they returned to their residence, it was already deep into the night.
The lights of Black Emperor City were still burning. In the distance, the Black Emperor Pavilion hung high in the night like a massive beast crouching at the heart of the city. The daytime clamor had been scattered by the night wind, leaving only faint watchfulness and killing intent lurking in the dark.
When Xiao Fan landed in the courtyard with Zi Yan in his arms, the little girl still clung to him and refused to get down.
"We're home."
"Mm."
"Then shouldn't you get down now?"
"No."
Zi Yan buried her face in his shoulder, her voice muffled.
"You smell like someone else's wine."
"You always have to drink a few cups at a banquet."
"And you smell like Sister Xiao Yi Xian."
"She was right beside me."
"Hmph."
Zi Yan clearly knew none of those things were a problem, yet she could not help picking at them.
She was not angry.
She was only making sure.
Making sure Xiao Fan had truly returned, making sure she could catch hold of him whenever she reached out, making sure the aura coming from the Dragon Seal was not a dream.
Xiao Fan did not urge her again. He simply let her hold him while gently patting her back with his other hand.
"I promised I would come back."
"You promised before too."
Zi Yan's voice was very soft.
Xiao Fan's hand paused slightly as it patted her back.
For a moment, the courtyard fell silent.
Xiao Yi Xian stood nearby without interrupting.
She understood that fear all too well.
It was not something that could be soothed by a few promises, but a wound left behind by a long wait in their previous life. Even