Solstice Souls: Solstice Sons (Book 3)

Whatever Our Souls Are Made Of

Lan Zhan's POV

Wei Ying squeezes his hand as Lan Zhan closes his eyes and lifts the spell.

It starts immediately.

"I WILL NOT LET YOU-"

And it's followed by blessed silence as Lan Qiren strokes his whiskers thoughtfully.

"Did you-" Wei Ying looks at him, and Lan Zhan is shaking his head because he's certain he hasn't used the Silencing Spell again.

They both stare at XiChen, and his small smile makes them think it was him, but he shakes his head in a miniscule gesture.

The Wei Elite Guard are already restraining Qingheng-Jun by holding his arms back, and using their feet to keep his legs apart, while his eyes are spitting fire.

Out of the four Lan Main family members, the Twin Jades have denied using their signature spell.

But then...then, that means it had to be Uncle Qiren!

"I think a night of solitary confinement would provide ample time for reflection upon one's choices, and of correct conduct by any disciple wearing our Lan Clan headband, also paying extra mind to the rules referencing self-restraint." Uncle Qiren remarks. "What do you think, Sect Leader XiChen?"

"There's a twinkle in his eye, my love!" Wei Ying whispers loud enough that everyone can hear.

Lan Zhan is feeling that slap-happy giddiness, the one that grows from exhaustion and disbelief because this cannot be happening, can it?

Did his Uncle just use their Silencing Spell on his own elder brother? And is he really suggesting the Wei Sect imprison the Previous Sect Leader, his father?

XiChen looks for Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren, and they're standing next to him in seconds. He bows first, making a formal request.

"As per our Uncle's request, is there somewhere suitable for Qingheng-Jun to stay? Preferably under observation, as his cultivation level is higher than most. A quiet place where said reflection can take place." XiChen hands Cangse Sanren a pack of pre-written talismans.

"And these are?" She raises a brow.

"While they are slightly different from the Lan Clan Silencing Spell, they are equally as effective in reducing noise levels," he winks at her.

Cangse Sanren throws back her head and laughs loudly, making Uncle Qiren wince.

"I like you," she grins, handing the talismans to the Captain of the Guard. "Use these as you think best. Nothing else should disturb tonight, because," she raises her voice, "tonight is the wedding celebration of our sons, and we will let nothing else get in the way!"

Deafening cheers echo around the whole room, and as the Elite Force take away Qingheng-Jun, marching so close to his body that he has no hope of escaping, or making a nuisance of himself.

The Captain of the Guard stops in front of Wei Ying and bows deeply.

"We should have been more alert-" he starts to say, but Wei Ying stops him mid sentence.

"No one could have expected any of that," Wei Ying tells him, lifting him up from his stance.

Lan Zhan watches the kindness on his face filter through the relief that no lasting damage was done. His Wei Ying is a true leader.

"He's right," Cangse Sanren turns to them. "It was an underhanded attempt to hurt us, and so audacious in its procedure that no one could have predicted it. However, all such lessons must be learned, so I ask you to activate a covert surveillance for the rest of tonight. Be vigilant, but discreet."