Fox and Phoenix (Lóng City 1)

My throat hurt. “Better,” I managed to say.

“I’m glad.” She hesitated. “This is selfish, I know, but ... I was afraid that everything had changed once we got back.”

Changed—as in, what happened on the road had vanished with our homecoming. I didn’t blame her for wondering. All those hours spent running away from Ma mi meant I hadn’t spent much time with Yún, either.

I set my letters next to my cylinder and faced Yún.

She is my future, I thought. If she wants me.

Then tell her, Chen said.

He was right. Whatever her answer, I had to speak.

“Yún. I have something to say. To ask.”

She tilted her head. There was a faint smile on her face. “Then ask,” she said.

A tight cord around my heart frayed and burst. I reached out and took Yún’s warm hands in mine. Pulled her next to me. She came willingly.