FORBIDDEN

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 8

The night had folded itself into quiet, deep and still. The city lights blinked faintly through the curtains, soft amber pinpricks against the vast darkness outside.

On the balcony, Yibo's fingers trembled ever so slightly as he held Zhan's hand — steady, warm, familiar. The words from the phone still echoed in his mind, heavy and sharp:

They found us.

Zhan's breath was slow, deliberate, trying to anchor the moment as much as Yibo needed it. They had promised themselves no more pretending. No more soft mornings overshadowed by ghosts. But the past wasn't done with them.

"I don't know what comes next," Yibo whispered, voice low and uncertain. "I thought... maybe we could just keep it between us a little longer."

Zhan's thumb traced gentle circles over Yibo's knuckles. "Maybe we can. But not for long."

Yibo looked out over the city — the rooftops, the distant hum of traffic, the way the streetlamps cast golden halos. "You think they'll be... okay? My parents?"

Zhan's gaze found his. "They have to be. You're not alone anymore. Not in this."

The night air pressed in — charged with a tension neither could quite shake. It wasn't just the chase anymore.

"We need to go there" Yibo said.

It was the looming question of acceptance, of trust, of what truth would do once it was laid bare.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The morning came slower than usual, the sun reluctant to rise behind thick clouds. Inside the family home, Luna stood by the window, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. The Alpha sat across the room, his hands folded calmly on his lap, watching her with quiet patience.

"You know why we have to meet him," Luna said without turning.

The Alpha nodded. "Yes. But the boy is not Yibo's enemy. If anything, there's something good in him. Something... necessary."

Luna sighed, turning away. "Goodness doesn't erase secrets."

The doorbell rang, sharp and sudden — a sound that shattered the fragile calm.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zhan stood just outside, heart pounding in a rhythm he tried not to betray. His footsteps were steady as Yibo led him inside, arms linked like a small, quiet rebellion against the world outside.

The house smelled of aged wood and faint jasmine — a scent that felt both foreign and strangely comforting.

Luna met them at the door, her gaze sharp and searching. She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Zhan," she said, voice even. "It's good to finally meet you."

Zhan nodded, trying to match her tone. "Thank you for having me."

Behind Yibo, the Alpha emerged from the shadows of the hallway — tall, commanding, but with a softness that softened the edges of his stern expression.

"Sit," he said simply, gesturing toward the dining table.

Yibo gave Zhan's hand a reassuring squeeze as they followed.

The table was set with quiet elegance — fresh tea, a plate of steamed buns, and delicate porcelain cups. Luna poured the tea with practiced grace, then settled into her chair opposite Zhan.