The air seemed to freeze. It smelled of winter, a gathering storm. A blizzard darkened the clear blue sky. Something crackling snapped you out of your thoughts.

Your fingers still gripped Kuai Liang's collar tightly. Yet it seemed to be getting colder and colder. Goose bumps spread across your arms.

When you lowered your gaze, you could see small crystals of ice at your feet, beginning to bloom on the tips of your shoes. Even Kuai Liang raised his eyebrows in surprise at the sight. Normally, his body was too warm to allow frost.

None of this made any sense.

It was spring, almost summer, and so warm that you were sweating just a few minutes ago. Searching for the source of the ice, your eyes travelled across the floor, following the bluish crystals until they stopped at Bi Han's feet.

Ice was smoking on his hands, which he had clenched into fists. His expression was no more annoyed than usual. But when you met his gaze, the brown of his eyes was almost black with anger.

A white cloud rose from his lips as he exhaled. With a steady gaze, you lowered your head and silently motioned for him to calm down. All he did was stare at you. Not a single word left his lips. He didn't even look at his brother.

Your fingers detached themselves from Kuai Liang and when you took a step back, he was smart enough to take his hand off your hip.

This time your legs didn't give way beneath you. Slowly, the frost began to retreat. Exhaling deeply, Bi Han straightened his shoulders, stood up to his full height and let out a growl.

Concern appeared on Kuai Liang's face.

"Brother?", he asked.

But as he took a step closer, Bi Han gave him a warning look.

"You should know your place, Kuai Liang.", he hissed, his voice making the earth tremble and the air freeze.

At your feet, Baobao shook his ears unimpressed. Small slivers of forest rained from the black and white fur. Kuai Liang frowned a little at the sudden change in his brother's demeanour.

His lips were already opening to say something back when you put a hand on his shoulder and he paused. He looked at you in confusion, hoping you could give him an answer.

With your lips pressed together, you shook your head. Bi Han's eyes watched every interaction between the two of you.

"I'd like to return home.", you finally said to relieve the tension in the air. "It seems I still need some rest."

Bi Han scoffed.

"I can accompany you.", the younger brother offered.

Your eyes wandered to the grandmaster. A muscle in his jaw twitched almost imperceptibly. Clenching his teeth, he lifted his chin and waited for your word.

"The Grandmaster will accompany me.", you said goodbye to Kuai Liang with a slight bow.

Still wobbly on your feet, you made your way between Baobao and the ice over to Bi Han. When you reached out to ask him to stop, his gaze softened and he offered you his hand.

He looked at his brother one last time, silently let him know that he did not have permission to be so close to you and then followed your lead.

Baobao remained snoring at Kuai Liang's feet. Even when you called for him with a whistle, he didn't move.

"Lazy animal.", growled Bi Han.

"Let him sleep.", you just said and pulled him into the small red-wood temple building. "I think there are things to discuss anyways, Bibi."

Shadows fell over you as you walked down the long, open corridor towards Lin Kuei village.

Mountains rose up to your right. White lace pierced through the blue sky. Petals danced in the wind.

With a hum, Bi Han stopped in front of an open arch with a bench in front of it and indicated that you should sit down. Whenever he did something like that, he had the will to talk.

Or to argue.

Either would be fine with you, because in the end it meant that you would get an answer. His tongue became loose, especially when he was angry.

Taking a deep breath, you close your eyes and shut out the mountains in the distance. Only the song of the wind remained.

He didn't sit down himself. Instead, he stood behind you. You could feel the power of his body pressing into your back like a wall of stone.

But the cold had disappeared. The ice was not allowed to grow. He wanted you to listen to him.

"You've been hard on him for a long time.", you finally said when your eyes opened again. "And to Tomas. Ever since the late grandmaster died."

He snorted in reply.

"These two don't know their place.", he replied. "Tomas not as adopted Lin Kuei. Kuai Liang not as my brother."

These words sent a shiver down your spine. Something tingled on the back of your neck. Anger and frustration choked your throat.

"Bi Han.", you looked up to meet his gaze. "Kuai Liang is a good man."

He stared down at you with his lips pressed together.

"Better than me?", a strand of black hair fell into his face as he tilted his head.

There it was again, that hurt look in his eyes. As if he couldn't bear the thought of not being your first choice.

You frown, confused and annoyed.

"A few minutes ago, you said that not all traditions should be honoured.", you hissed. "That your father was old-fashioned."

Magic tingled in your fingertips.

Why did you suddenly feel the urge to bring him to his knees?

You wanted to hear him beg. You wanted to see him look up at you and ask for forgiveness, plead that you would release him from this pain.

Because that pain has been burning in your chest for years. Since the day he had spoken to your father.

"Mûdān.", the brown of his eyes softened.

As soft as it only happened when he looked at you. If he wanted you to listen to him.

But the frustration of the last few years clouded your mind.

How long had you tried to get your relationship back to the way it was?

And each time he pushed you away.

"I want to go back.", you just said.

Your voice was so sharp it could cut his flesh.