Florian's footsteps gradually faded, and the door closed softly behind him, shutting out the cool night breeze in the courtyard.
The room fell quiet, leaving only Yan's heavy breathing and the faint sound of the night watch's drum somewhere beyond the window.
He lay on the bed, his eyes half open, staring at the dim ceiling overhead.
The alcohol had gone to his head, leaving it heavy and muddled, as though stuffed with soaking-wet cotton. Yet his heart was painfully clear.
Clear enough to hurt.
"Nana..."
He murmured her name, his voice so hoarse it was barely audible.
Only the wind outside the window answered him, along with the dull beating of his own heart.
He had no idea how much time passed before the alcohol finally swallowed him whole.
Yan closed his eyes and sank into a deep sleep.
In his dream, Hu Liena was still there.
She wore a dark purple dress and stood on Spirit Hall's training grounds, smiling at him.
Her smile was as radiant as spring, dazzling him until he could barely open his eyes.
He wanted to reach out and catch her, but he could not lift his hand.
He wanted to call her name, but something seemed to block his throat, leaving him unable to make a sound.
She walked farther and farther away, until at last she vanished into a sea of white light.
Yan's eyes snapped open.
Day had already broken.
Sunlight spilled through the window, casting dappled patches of light and shadow on the floor.
He lay on the bed and stared at them for a long time before slowly sitting up.
The hangover headache surged in like a tide. Yan's temples throbbed, and nausea churned in his stomach.
He lowered his head, looking at his crumpled clothes and the