Honorable Sacrifice - FIYS

A Fire fairy makes herself at home on the Chessboard

Tong Yao woke up feeling a little better. The dull ache in her body had lessened, but there was still a lingering fatigue. As she stretched, her eyes fell on the sleek, black box on the nightstand—the chocolate Lu Sicheng had bought for her. She hadn't noticed it before in her haze, but now that she was more alert, she recognized the brand: Le Chocolate Noir, one of China's most expensive dark chocolates. Her eyes widened. She'd only ever seen it in luxury stores, reserved for the elite. How much had he spent on these?

The guilt tugged at her chest as she picked up the box. He always knew how to take care of her, how to spoil her even when she didn't ask for it. She bit her lip, feeling a little guilty. She could barely take care of herself, let alone him. A notification pinged on her phone, breaking her thoughts.

Xiao Rui: Don't forget to give Lu Sicheng his medicine. He still hasn't taken it.

The reminder made her heart sink further. It was like a subtle jab, reminding her she hadn't been doing her part. She should've been the one looking after him, especially since he wasn't feeling well. But here was Xiao Rui, gently nudging her as if she needed to be reminded of her own boyfriend's needs.

She stood up, ignoring the small protests of her body, grabbed the box of medicine from the counter, and filled a glass of water. She padded toward his room, guilt gnawing at her. She should have been more on top of this. It was her job, not Xiao Rui's.

Tong Yao moved quietly into Lu Sicheng's room, her hands carefully holding a glass of water and his medicine. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of the moon seeping through the curtains, casting a pale light over his tall, broad form lying in bed. She stared for a moment, taking in his relaxed expression. His usually cold, intense features were softened in sleep, and her heart swelled with warmth.

Approaching cautiously, she extended her hand to gently shake him awake, but before her fingers even grazed his skin, everything changed in an instant.

A strong hand shot out, grabbing her wrist in a vice-like grip, and before she could react, she was pulled roughly down onto the bed. Her breath caught as her back hit the mattress, her body pinned beneath his. Cold steel brushed against her throat—a sharp knife, its edge pressing just enough to send a chill through her, not enough to hurt. Lu Sicheng's amber eyes snapped open, glowing with a dangerous, predatory intensity.

Her heart pounded, but not from fear—no, she knew he'd never hurt her. Even in this moment of overwhelming darkness, when his instincts had taken over, she trusted him completely. Still, the raw danger in his gaze sent a thrill through her, leaving her breathless.

His grip on the knife remained steady, his gaze sharp and unforgiving, until his eyes cleared, recognition settling in. The darkness in his amber eyes softened as quickly as it had come, and he jerked the blade away from her throat, tossing it aside with a low clatter. His hand loosened on her wrist, now cradling it gently, as if afraid he might have bruised her.

"Yao-er..." His voice was a deep, rough whisper, filled with regret. He hovered above her, his broad chest rising and falling heavily as he processed what he'd done. "Did I hurt you?" His eyes were still wild, filled with worry as his hand brushed over the spot where the knife had been.

Tong Yao swallowed hard, her pulse still racing, but her voice was steady as she replied, "I'm okay, really."

But Lu Sicheng wasn't convinced. He cupped her face in his hand, his thumb brushing lightly over her cheek. His touch was soft, intimate, the complete opposite of the cold, dangerous man who had pinned her seconds ago. The contrast sent a shiver down her spine.