Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 78 - The Edge Of Midnight

The moon cast a ghostly glow over the garden, deepening the shadows that clung to the corners and crevices. Lan Xichen watched Qing Yi, his brow furrowed with concern as he observed the sudden pallor that had washed over Qing Yi's face. His eyes, usually so clear and steadfast, now shimmered with an unspoken fear that tugged at Lan Xichen's heart.

"Qing Yi, what's wrong?" Lan Xichen asked, his voice laced with worry as he brushed a stray strand of hair from Qing Yi's forehead. "All this vomiting and dizziness—tell me what's troubling you."

Qing Yi's gaze flickered, caught off guard by the intensity of Lan Xichen's scrutiny. He could feel Lan Xichen's hand, gentle yet firm, cupping his face, grounding him yet somehow making him feel even more adrift.

Before Qing Yi could muster a response, Lan Xichen reached for his hand, his touch gentle yet purposeful. He pressed his fingertips lightly to Qing Yi's wrist, his brow furrowing as he searched for any sign of what might be wrong. The concern etched on his face deepened when Qing Yi abruptly pulled his hand away, his movements swift and tense.

"Ah, yes, perhaps I have indeed fallen ill," Qing Yi murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. Seeking refuge in the warmth of Lan Xichen's presence, he leaned in and rested his head against the solid comfort of Lan Xichen's chest.

"I'm tired now. Let's return to our chambers and retire for the night."

Lan Xichen blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the sudden withdrawal of Qing Yi's hand. Yet the weight of Qing Yi's head against his chest and the quiet plea in his words softened the pang of confusion. A gentle chuckle rumbled in his throat as he wrapped an arm around Qing Yi, holding him close.

"Alright," Lan Xichen said softly. "Let's go."

He helped Qing Yi rise to his feet, but the movement caused Qing Yi to wince, his hand instinctively gripping Lan Xichen's sleeve for balance. Though he tried to steady himself, the dizziness surged, and a wave of nausea twisted in his stomach. Lan Xichen noticed the strain etched across Qing Yi's face.

Without a word, he moved swiftly. One arm slipped beneath Qing Yi's legs, the other supporting his back, and he lifted him effortlessly. Qing Yi let out a small, surprised gasp, his hands instinctively reaching to steady himself against Lan Xichen's shoulders.

"Wait," Qing Yi protested softly, his voice tinged with reluctance. "I can walk—"

"It's alright," Lan Xichen interrupted gently, his arms tightening protectively around him. "Just rest your head against me and close your eyes. It'll help with the dizziness."

Qing Yi hesitated, his cheeks flushing faintly at the closeness. Slowly, he let his head rest against Lan Xichen's shoulder, the steady rhythm of his lover's heartbeat a quiet reassurance. His arms encircled Lan Xichen's neck, holding on as he whispered, "Thank you."

Lan Xichen responded with a tender kiss on Qing Yi's forehead, a silent promise of steadfast support. With Qing Yi in his arms, he began the gentle walk back to their chambers, each step taken with careful grace to ensure Qing Yi felt nothing but comfort in his embrace.

In the peaceful silence of their walk, Qing Yi found himself drawn into a labyrinth of thoughts, each more perplexing than the last. The possibility of carrying Lan Xichen's child seemed to defy everything he understood about his connection with Baihu. His female reproductive system had only ever manifested when he exceeded his borrowed celestial power, serving as a vessel for Baihu to feed on newborn energy. Yet now, something was different. Why hadn't Baihu absorbed this new life? Why had the celestial beast allowed this pregnancy to take root?

Questions layered upon questions, each more confounding than the last. He would need answers directly from Baihu, but for now, the beast remained silent, leaving Qing Yi to navigate the storm of his thoughts alone. So lost was he in this internal battle that he didn't notice when Lan Xichen finally slowed his steps.