When the late autumn wind swept over the Blue Silver Grass Sea, it already carried a trace of chill.
The leaves shimmered with scattered golden flecks in the morning light, rising and falling layer by layer with the wind like a vast sheet of flowing silk.
Louise sat beside the stone table in the courtyard, drinking tea.
She had not gone to the Blue Medicine Hall today, choosing to stay in the territory and rest for once.
The morning sunlight fell across her profile, making her face, softer and more radiant than it had been a few months ago, look especially lovely.
She slowly took a sip of tea, but the hand lowering the cup suddenly froze.
Her face paled slightly for an instant as an indescribable churning rose in her stomach. She set down the teacup and pressed the back of her hand to her lips, taking several breaths before suppressing the discomfort.
The faint clinking of bowls and plates came from the kitchen as Xiao Li emerged carrying breakfast.
She wore a pale gray dress today. Her cat ears twitched slightly in the morning light, while her tail swayed gently behind her.
Just as she reached the stone table and prepared to set down the tray, her steps abruptly halted as well.
Her ears perked up slightly. Then she bent down to place the tray on the table, braced her hands on her knees, and took a breath. Her cat tail unconsciously curled, then loosened again.
The two women stood beside the stone table for a moment and exchanged a glance.
Louise looked at Xiao Li, and Xiao Li looked at Louise. The instant their gazes met, each saw the same mingled hint of speculation and delight in the other's eyes.
Neither said anything, yet both already understood.