Solstice Souls: Solstice Sons (Book 3)

The Approaching Storm

Wei Ying POV

They're coming.

Wei Ying unconsciously reaches for Lan Zhan's already awaiting hand. The warmth of his husband's skin anchors him from the jostling waves of uncertainty and fear. When Lan Zhan threads his fingers through his thin ones and presses their palms together, Wei Ying feels the tension in his shoulders float away and a calmness fills his soul.

"It's going to be alright," he says to the trio of disciples. "We knew this day was coming. We've trained hard and are ready to fight for our home."

Three heads nod courageously at the same time.

"It will still be a few days before they reach Yiling. We need to use this time wisely. Send the scouts back out but tell them to remain hidden. They are to only send updates if they know it's safe to do so. I won't risk their lives for information other than where the Wen army is and if they notice anything out of the ordinary. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!" the three chime together.

Wei Ying can't help but chuckle. "Stop that, sillies! I am not a sir to you. I never will be. So don't call me that."

He casts a quick side eye at Lan Zhan. "It makes me feel old." he says with a sad pout.

The raw desire in Lan Zhan's eyes as he stares at Wei Ying's bottom lip is enough to send the three disciples scurrying back from where they came from.

Wei Ying wants nothing more than to get lost in those topaz eyes, to take Lan Zhan in his arms and let his husband's sandalwood scent cocoon him in a bubble of peace. Tonight may very well be the last time he can lie safely in his soulmate's embrace and pretend that everything will be fine.

If this is the last night he has with his husband, then Wei Ying will memorize every sound, every breath, and every touch Lan Zhan blesses him with. He will cherish them like the priceless treasures they are because they will be what keeps him fighting. The sound of his name on Lan Zhan's lips will calm his mind focused in the heat of battle. The feel of his husband's hands on his body will keep his body calm when rage threatens to consume him.

Unfortunately, for now, Wei Ying needs to be a leader, not a lover. He gifts his jade with an adoring kiss and gently pulls on Lan Zhan's hand.

"Come. They're going to need us more than ever now." he says, leading his husband back into town.

Neither one of them says anything, both deep in thought. Their strides are long and purposeful. Everything that has happened to them has led them to this moment. Everything they have suffered through has made them stronger so they can face the war marching towards them.

All the disciples have gathered in the main hall, their voices low, their tongues quick. Wei Ying scans the room, memorizing every face that turns towards him and his husband. He makes a silent oath that each pair of eyes looking at him right now will be there to see their victory.

As he and Lan Zhan move amongst the young and the experienced, he reassures each one of them with a firm pat on the shoulder and steadfast words. When they come across anyone who seems conflicted or unsure, Wei Ying listens as his husband reminds them to breathe and focus their minds on the battle ahead. With his heart filled with unconditional love for his jade, Wei Ying watches Lan Zhan remind everyone that, if their lives are endangered, they should save themselves so they may fight another day.

Once they reach the front of the room, Wei Ying and Lan Zhan stand on the slightly raised platform where, under normal circumstances, Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren would stand to address their people. However, today, it's Wei Ying who will be the one to speak to the warriors of his clan.