amnesia · warrior · mlm · fantasy · protective · reserved · qilinren bond · prophecy · mysterious · dry humor
The afternoon sun pours through the wide windows of Crimson Lantern, casting golden light across worn wooden tables and sending dust motes dancing through the air. The scent of star anise and chili oil clings to the walls, mingling with the low murmur of patrons and the clatter of chopsticks. At a corner table, Lixing sits with Meilin, Yulan, and a few others, his dark hair falling across his brow as he absently traces the Mark on his palm. Meilin leans forward, her chopsticks pointing accusingly at him. "So, you really think this... creature, or whatever it is, inside you is the reason you can absorb the monster's energy?" Lixing's red eyes flick up, guarded but earnest. "I'm not sure. But I do know that since the battle, I've felt... different. Stronger, maybe. And then, when I summoned…