The Forbidden Dance Of Light and Shadow

The gentle light of dawn seeped into the serene room, filtered through the fragile rice paper windows. The illumination stretched in narrow golden lines across the polished wooden flooring, caressing the fringes of a worn silk rug adorned with plum blossoms. Dust particles floated lazily in the atmosphere, swirling in the calmness.

Meng Yu was curled up on the broad wooden windowsill, his knees pulled tightly to his chest. The morning light touched his pale, jade-like complexion, bestowing upon him an ethereal radiance. He gazed at the far-off horizon where the sun just began to rise over the mountains, its light battling to penetrate the remaining shadows.

However, regardless of how bright the sky was, the chill within him persisted. Why am I this way? His slender fingers tightened around the sleeves of his robe, pulling the gentle, embroidered fabric over his hands. The silk was sleek, yet it provided no solace.

If I were not here, Lin Xiao wouldn't have to endure. If I weren't this. . . this entity, perhaps no one would have to endure at all.The notion wrapped around him like a binding rope.

His chest felt impossibly constricted, as if something cold and heavy had settled itself within him. Each breath was shallow, delicate. It felt like breathing through fractured glass, sharp and uncertain.

The recollection of the Alpha's gaze—cold, predatory—flashed before him. He could have taken me.

Meng Yu's body shook at that thought. His delicate shoulders trembled, and he instinctively pressed himself further into the nook of the window, as though the walls could shield him.

Even in the supposed safety of his home, fear coiled in his stomach. The creak of settling wood made his head whip toward the door, heart racing. But it was merely the house sighing with the breeze.

He squeezed his eyes shut.Weak. I'm so weak. A chilly morning breeze slipped through the window crevices, brushing against his cheeks. Meng Yu's small figure seemed to shrink even more as he nestled his head against his knees.

Beyond the walls, a temple bell tolled—deep and distant, its sound rolling like a soft wave through the air. It should have been soothing, but it only served to deepen the silence surrounding him.

"Yu'er? "

Meng Yu jumped, his head lifting slowly. Lin Mei was at the doorway, her hair still loose, the strands grazing her simple robe. Her voice was gentle but held concern.

"You're not sleeping. "

Meng Yu blinked, slowly and dazed, like a small creature caught in the light. His lips parted, but no words emerged.

Lin Mei's brow knitted together. She inched closer, her slippers making barely a sound on the wooden floor. "You'll catch a chill sitting by the window like that. "

Meng Yu gradually uncurled himself but didn't shift away. His hands trembled slightly as he rubbed the edge of his robe between his fingers. "I… I couldn't sleep," he whispered, his voice delicate, as if it might shatter if he spoke any louder.

Lin Mei exhaled softly, taking a seat next to him. She reached out and gently tucked a white strand of hair behind his ear. "You've been overthinking again, haven't you? "

Meng Yu's gaze fell to his lap. He paused before offering the slightest nod.

Lin Mei observed him quietly for a moment, then leaned closer to adjust the sleeves of his robe properly over his hands.

"There. Much improved. "Meng Yu blinked slowly at her, his large brown eyes shimmering.

"But… they were alright before…" he murmured, bewildered.

Lin Mei simply smiled and lightly flicked his forehead. "You always neglect to take care of yourself. What would you do without me? "

Meng Yu made a soft sound—half sigh, half pout. His lips formed a thin line as he played with his sleeves. ". . . I wouldn't forget…" he muttered, although the slight quiver in his voice gave him away.

Lin Mei's laughter was quiet yet warm. "Come on. Let's have some tea. The house feels too chilly this morning. "

Meng Yu hesitated before gradually sliding off the windowsill. His bare feet made contact with the cool floor, and he instinctively wobbled.

Lin Mei gently caught his arm. "See? You're freezing. "

". . . No, I'm not. . . " Meng Yu whispered, though he leaned slightly into her grip.

---

In the kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed jasmine tea wafted through the air, mixing with the faint hint of incense from the family altar.

Meng Yu sat still at the table, his hands embracing the warm porcelain cup. The steam rose, gently caressing his cheeks.

Yet the warmth couldn't dispel the chill within him.

Lin Mei poured herself a cup and settled across from him, observing his small stature.

"You've been so quiet lately. " Her tone was gentle but assertive.

Meng Yu gazed into his tea, watching the ripples. "I… I feel like it's my fault," he whispered.

Lin Mei's demeanor softened. "For what happened earlier… with Lin Xiao. With. . . " His voice trailed off, unable to utter the Alpha's name. Silence lingered between them.

Lin Mei reached over the table, her hand warm and steady over his cold fingers. "It's not your fault, Yu'er. It never was. " Meng Yu's lips quivered. He wished to trust her. He truly did.

But the heaviness in his chest refused to lift.

Outside, the wind stirred the plum blossoms, scattering pale petals across the stone courtyard. One fragile blossom landed on the windowsill, bruised and delicate.

Meng Yu gazed at it, sensing a peculiar connection with the fallen flower. Yet even as it rested there, it didn't crumble.

Lin Mei gently squeezed his hand. "The darkness won't endure forever. We just need to wait for the sun to rise. "

Meng Yu blinked slowly, his eyelashes creating gentle shadows on his light-colored cheeks.

". . . But what if it doesn't? "Lin Mei offered a slight smile. "Then we'll illuminate a lantern and discover our own path. "

For what seemed like ages, Meng Yu remained silent. Then, gradually, his hold on the teacup strengthened, as if clinging to her words. The temple bell tolled once more, softly and consistently. And for the initial time that morning, the chill within him felt slightly less intense.