The candles in the side chamber of the Worship Hall cast a soft, warm glow, making the angel reliefs within look all the more sacred.
Bibi Dong gently placed the sleeping Qian Renxue in her velvet-lined crib. The little girl's brows were still faintly furrowed, and her tiny fists clutched a blanket that retained the warmth of Bibi Dong's clothes. Her exquisitely delicate face gleamed in the candlelight, and even her breathing had the light, shallow rhythm unique to children.
"This girl can't even stay still in her sleep."
Bibi Dong brushed the wisps of hair from her daughter's forehead, tenderness almost overflowing from her eyes. Ever since she had begun preparing to inherit the position of Pope, the time she spent with Qian Renxue had visibly dwindled. Whenever she saw her daughter looking so dependent on her, a tender pang of guilt stirred in her heart, like the gentle tickle of a feather.
"Thank you for your hard work, Dong'er."
Qian Daoliu's voice came from the doorway. In his arms was a warm ball of golden fluff-the Radiant Sacred Dragon Hatchling that had pestered him all afternoon.
The little dragon seemed unhappy about being carried away from the soft cushions in the Worship Hall. The hatchling rubbed that little head back and forth against Qian Daoliu's chest, golden scales shimmering in the candlelight. Occasionally, a warm puff of dragon breath landed on his golden robes, turning into a wisp of smoke that dispersed into the air.
Bibi Dong turned around and couldn't help laughing at the sight of the man and dragon.
"This little one really is attached to you."
"Rather than clinging to me, the hatchling should cling to Xiao Xue-what good does clinging to me do?"
Qian Daoliu lowered his head and gently tapped the Radiant Sacred