Solstice Souls: Solstice Sons (Book 3)

Moving Past the Past

Wei Ying POV

A week has passed. Seven days of rescuing whatever Wen refugees they found and taking in those who found them. One hundred and sixty eight hours of treating the wounded, feeding the hungry, and coming up with plans on how to care for all of those displaced and needing a home.

On this last night together, all of the key players have gathered in the makeshift dining hall. The food is the same as it always is, simple and plain but nourishing. Wei Ying's parents sit next to him, their hands locked in a comforting bond. Lan Xichen and his uncle sit side by side next to Lan Zhan, their faces worn and haggard from the long days and even longer nights. Baoshan Sanren takes her place between her daughter and Meng Yao, her smile bright but her eyes tired.

Yan Bai and Mao Shing, their bodies slouched with exhaustion, sit beside Meng Yao, gawking at his fine clothes and jewelry. Song Lan and Xiao Xingchen make their way into the hall with Wen Qing, her brother following close behind. After Wei Ying and Lan Zhan explained that the Wen siblings were the ones who had helped them escape Nightless City the last time, their family and friends welcomed the wary brother and sister with hugs, tears, and endless words of thanks.

The Nie brothers arrived a few days ago after ensuring their subordinates were capable of handling the massive clean up of The Unclean Realm. Fortunately, very few of their peoples' lives were lost. However, Wen Clan corpses littered the forest outside their walls as well as the various tunnels beneath them.

Nie Huiasang sits facing Wei Ying, his face hidden behind a new fan depicting a beautiful green, silver and black serpent wrapped around the Nie Clan Symbol. Its exterior is carved from black jade and was a gift from his thankful and impressed Da-ge.

The last to enter is Jiang Cheng. He looks nervously at the faces staring back at him. However, his lavender eyes fall to the floor before they reach Wei Ying's parents.

"A-Cheng," Wei Ying says calmly. "Please, join us." He gestures with his hand at a cushion on the opposite side of the table next to Huaisang and Jiang Cheng accepts his offer.

With everyone finally at the table, Wei Ying nestles deeper into Lan Zhan's lap. His head rests in the crook of his husband's neck where the sandalwood scent is the strongest and takes a long, deep breath. He hums in contentment. His jade's hand lovingly combs the ends of his hair, sending chills up and down his back.

Wrapping his arms around his jade's waist, Wei Yiing pulls himself closer to the warmth he craves. He listens to Lan Zhan's steady heartbeat under his robes. Its rhythm is soothing and reassuring and before he can stop himself, he drifts off to sleep.

A short time later, he wakes to everyone eating and sharing stories, most of which are about him.

"Did you have a good nap?" his grandmother asks with a teasing grin.

Wei Ying sticks out his tongue at her. He opens his mouth to make a witty comment but instead finds a clump of rice stuck in his mouth. With wide eyes, he turns his head and looks at his husband who is currently wearing a soft smile.

"Rule number 23. Do not speak while eating." Lan Zhan murmurs.

Wei Ying looks around him. Apparently, everyone else finished their meal while he was dozing. He's the last one to eat. Honestly, it's a strange feeling. Usually he's the first one to put his chopsticks down. Now, all eyes are on him as tries to chew politely and not inhale his food so he can talk too.

Soft giggles bubble up from everyone at the table. It's nice to hear considering the hell they've all been through.

Lan Qiren clears his throat politely. "Shall we begin?"