The darkness should have scared her.

But this time, Nong knew where she was, and she hurried. Her footsteps echoed loudly in the darkness. Her heart raced in her chest. She didn't care that she couldn't see a thing. Because she knew where she was going. She kept on running and running until the darkness faded...and a field of white and lavender wildflowers came in to view. He was standing there among them.

Her hope.

Nong summoned her wings one last time to help her soar the remaining distance because she couldn't bear to wait a second more.

"Ru Feng!" Nong called.

He turned to her and smiled. His golden eyes glinted in the sunlight upon seeing her. He stretched out his arms to catch her as she landed in his arms. They fell onto the ground stirring up dazzling blue feathers and wildflowers. Nong stopped to catch her breath – her tears dripped onto Ru Feng's beautiful face.

"Why are you crying, Nong?" he asked as he wiped them away and then reached out a hand to clear her own cheeks.

"I thought I'd never see you again," She cried.

He grinned at her. Lying there on the field of wildflowers – he looked like a fairy. A god.

"I would've found you sooner or later," He teased. "I was just admiring the view first,"

She pouted.

"How is your wound?" He asked. "How do you feel?"

She smiled mischievously. Her eyes twinkled.

"The only thing I feel right now," She leaned in close, "Is doing this," She planted a soft kiss on his lips.

"I love you," She whispered between each breath. "I love you, Ru Feng,"

He rolled her over. Her wings vanished into glittering dust. "I love you, Nong," He brushed her hair tenderly, "From the first moment I saw you in the darkness. I loved you then. And I'll love you until all that's left of us are stories. Stories about gods, monsters, love, and hope,"