"Yeah, so many things happened, we have a lot of catching up to do," XueLing agreed. "Let's discuss the details later there... HanYing can tag along…if he wants to…" XiShi offered, giving HanYing a sideways glance, a hint of invitation in her eyes.

HanYing, his gaze distant, shook his head. "No, I'd rather not…for a while, not yet. I'll go think over everything…and deal with my tribe and stuff."

XiShi stared at him, a mixture of shock and something akin to disbelief on her face. "You actually want a female?"

HanYing's lips curled into a sardonic smile. "I mean, which male doesn't? Especially how you reacted seeing that man," He glanced towards the sleeping form of HaoYue. "I'd want that too."

With that, he turned and left. His departure was sudden, leaving the family to process everything that had just transpired.

The air within the cave hung heavy, a thick blanket of silence muffling the world outside. No voice dared to break the stillness, only the subtle hush of nature’s breath creating an illusion of profound peace. Yet, within XiShi’s mind, a tempest raged. The calm exterior was a stark contrast to the maelstrom of thoughts swirling within her, a chaotic replay of all that had transpired. She replayed the terrifying scenarios in her head; the potential losses, the devastating consequences she could have faced had HanYing not inexplicably changed his mind. His sudden shift in allegiance seemed capricious, a whim played out on the stage of their lives. She couldn't grasp his motivations, but in the grand scheme of things, it didn't matter. What truly mattered was HaoYue’s safety. Knowing the turbulent path that lay ahead, she was determined to safeguard her family, to shield them from the encroaching chaos.

Gazing at HaoYue, her worry intensified. His complexion was unnervingly pale, a shade whiter than usual, and the sight sent a cold dread twisting in her gut. A sharp pain knifed through her chest, a physical manifestation of her fear and love. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over to trace glistening paths down her cheeks.

XueLing and FengXiu, their faces etched with concern, immediately reacted to her distress. They dropped to their knees, pulling her into a comforting embrace. XiShi buried her face against them, the dam breaking as she sobbed, her heart aching with raw emotion. Between heaving breaths, she confessed her fears, her insecurities laid bare. She spoke of the terror she had felt at the brink of death, the agonizing possibility of losing everything. She confessed, through sobs, the bitter necessity that had made her take HanYing into her harem, the desperate gamble that seemed like the most viable solution at the time. She had never wanted that arrogant snake anywhere near her and yet, under pressure, she had done it anyway. She was a tangled mess .....

" let's get you home first darling."
XueLing sighed......