Protector from Afar ✔️

Chapter 31 - Heart & Liver

Chapter 31
Heart & Liver

Today

Wrapped in bright red wings. The headwind roared in Jeongin's ears. His fingers dug into Jian's soft feathers. Wings flapping vigorously, a jolt, and Jeongin's feet landed on the stone floor. They were back on the hill. His knees trembled a little and he held on to the tabletop.

"Please, sit down," Jian said, back in human form.

Jeongin didn't need to be asked twice. He plopped down on the stool and rested his head on one hand. He exhaled audibly. His gaze wandered to Jian who he poured everyone a cup of tea, starting with Seraphina, then Jeongin, and finally himself. The sweet aroma of freshly brewed fruits caressed their noses. There was something calming about watching him. Jian's black hair swayed gently in the wind, his movements were smooth and purposeful. His tanned skin had an olive undertone. Jeongin's eyes unconsciously fell on Jian's neck. The sudden memory of Jian's death made Jeongin shiver.

Jeongin carefully glanced at Seraphina. She was sitting to his right, her head lowered and her expression gloomy. Her thoughts seemed to be somewhere else entirely because Jian had asked her something, but she didn't answer. Did she not hear him? Did she not want to hear him?

"Seraphina?"

This time Jian spoke in a slightly firmer voice. The person addressed looked up in surprise.

"What?"

"I wanted to know how you've been."

"Good, good," she said in a high voice and looked into her tea again.

Jeongin's eyebrows furrowed. Seraphina was lying. He had expected her to speak openly and honestly with Jian.
Jeongin wasn't stupid. He knew that the two of them had a close friendship. For any other normal mortal, a wish would come true if they had the unique opportunity to talk to a loved one who had passed away.
Why didn't she do anything? Why did she remain silent?

Jian snorted. "Lying has never been your strong suit, Xīngān."

Seraphina's head shot up. "Don't call me that." There was an icy undertone in her voice, but it didn't match her flushed cheeks.

Jian narrowed his eyes skeptically. "What's wrong with you?"

"Oh, nothing," she said gruffly and looked away.

A ray of sunlight hit her eyes. Only briefly, but it was enough to see the glittering tears in them. Her leg trembled nervously.

"She's pissed because you didn't tell her."
Jeongin took the truth and slammed it back into Jian's face.
"You've certainly had enough time to prepare yourself for your end. But what about Seraphina? Her life went on. But instead of helping her in any way, you made her suffer. What a great friend you are."

The silence was deafening. Jian blinked frantically. They stared at each other for several moments. Jeongin's instinct screamed at him to back off.

Historically, Qilin were peaceful creatures that didn't even trample the grass beneath their hooves. It must have been the location, because Jeongin realized that Jian was a descendant from the Fènghuáng; fiery birds that also preferred peace but became tough fighters when it came down to it.
But at that moment, Jeongin didn't care. A kind of righteous wrath spread inside him. To hell with peace and harmony.

The air crackled. Jeongin's eyes narrowed to thin black lines; all that was missing was war paint and everyone would tremble in awe.

Jian snorted, half amused, half stunned. "Pretty big words from someone who can't even cook."