Solstice Souls: Solstice Sons (Book 3)

Choosing What to Do

Lan Zhan's POV

Lan Zhan watches Wei Ying send talisman messages to all the relevant people.

Lan XiChen and Lan Qiren have already left by now, so there will be no one else to represent the Lan Clan at the meeting to come, except himself. It's a big responsibility and Lan Zhan is aware of the weight placed upon his young shoulders.

In better times, other eighteen year olds would be practicing their sword forms and bettering their cultivation, focusing on improving themselves so they could better serve their sects and the common people.

Lan Zhan and Wei Ying would be like them, sparring and dancing together, because what was dancing if not learning how to move together in harmony with the energies of themselves and the Universe?

But the coming, certain war that was threatening their future was almost upon them, and learning from their elders was a step in the right direction.

"What are you thinking about, my love?" Wei Ying takes his arm as they leave their quarters, making their way to wherever Wei Ying has asked everyone to assemble.

"How we are going to proceed. Choosing to face the uncertain future head on is the right way to go." Lan Zhan feels better already by voicing his concerns.

"Yeah, not like Xue Yang....no head..."

The flippant remark chokes an unexpected laugh out of him.

"Too soon?" Wei Ying leans into his body as they carry on walking.

"No. Being able to laugh at our enemies is a sign of courage, even if it masks our fears."

"Wow!" Wei Ying stops them for a moment. "Sweetheart, I'm so proud of you! You've really taken everything I suggested to heart!"

His eyes are shining so brightly, that for a second, Lan Zhan loses himself in their silvery depths. Lustrous and full of sparkling life, diamond dust glitters and swirls in a mercurial sea. Wei Ying is so beautiful, it makes his heart ache with love.

"Mn. Wei Ying is wise enough to learn from his own theories. Self improvement is for everyone." To lessen the sting of his words, Lan Zhan pulls Wei Ying into a strong hug.

This connection is everything, feeling the warm weight of his husband in his arms, safe and happy, and more importantly, here, makes Lan Zhan feel brave. He can do anything if he knows Wei Ying is safe, and that makes him realise something even more dangerous.

"What?" Wei Ying is immediately alert.

"Come. We need to speak to everyone right now." He knows Wei Ying has thought about his actions, how he is ever so ready to throw himself into danger, and now understands how devastating it is for those left behind. Wei Ying won't do anything reckless...but-

Wei Ying gives him a nod, and thankfully, doesn't ask him to explain himself yet.

He grabs Lan Zhan's hand and they begin running. But instead of going to the Great Hall, where Lan Zhan expected them all to hold this meeting, Wei Ying brings him to a plain wooden door, after a few winding turns that make Lan Zhan's head spin.

"We've been too busy lately for me to show you everything, Sweetheart, but this is one of my favorite rooms, and I wish we could spend more time here," he says sadly.

Lan Zhan wants to reassure him that there will be time in the future, that they will be able to do whatever they want to, when they want to. But, with the uncertain circumstances surrounding them, there is no point in false promises, or hopeful words.

To say anything along those lines is just wasting their time.

"Come on, then." Wei Ying flashes him one of his special smiles, making Lan Zhan's heart race, and then he throws the door open wide.