Our group walked back bathed in the moonlight. The mountain trail wound and twisted, flanked by swaying tree shadows, while a gentle breeze carried the faint, sweet scent of flowers and grass. The previous tension had completely vanished, replaced by the relief and joy of having survived a narrow escape.
I walked side by side with Qu Chen, a faint warmth radiating from him that brought me a deep sense of calm. Recalling the recent battle, I remembered how he had always shielded me, his sword-wielding posture steady and elegant, every single move conveying his protection of me.
"Thanks to you today, otherwise we would have been in real danger." I turned to look at him, the moonlight spilling across his handsome face and making him look even gentler.
Chapter 17