Yao Ji initially considered leaving Moroha a letter, but ultimately decided against it. She remembered the strange sense of familiarity she felt upon their first meeting, a feeling that had drawn her to him. Now, she realized that this very closeness had put him in danger.

She couldn't decipher Moroha’s true feelings. If he didn't care for her, why go through such lengths to take her with him? But if he did, his icy gaze sometimes sent a chill down her spine.

It was over. This parting marked the end of their connection. Her heart ached for home, and she couldn't afford to dwell on anything else.

True to his word, Kazha provided her with simple clothes. Disguised as a timid peasant woman, her face concealed, Yao Ji slipped out of the inn under the cover of darkness.

She wasn't worried about Moroha pursuing her. He would be leaving in the morning; any delay would be a death sentence in the Northern Lands. Her concern was how to return to the Youjin tribe.

Unbeknownst to her, Zong Jun had ridden through the night to the border, searching for her in every city. Alone, pregnant, and vulnerable, even joining a merchant caravan heading north was fraught with danger.

After a difficult night spent in a dilapidated city temple, Yao Ji, her face smeared with dirt, lingered near the north gate. Suddenly, several riders on horseback galloped past, their hooves drumming like a downpour. The lead rider, clad in black, his imposing figure a fleeting image, rode straight into the city.

It was Zong Jun!

Shock and joy surged through her. She'd only glimpsed his face for a moment, but she knew it was him. She wanted to chase after him, but his magnificent steed was too swift, its hoofbeats already fading in the distance.

Frustration gnawed at her, and a dull ache pulsed in her belly. She sank against a wall, her hand supporting her lower back, as the whispers of passersby swirled around her, speculating about the identity of the noble rider. 

Exhaustion overwhelmed her. Pregnancy had already heightened her need for sleep, and the tension of the past days, coupled with the relief of knowing Zong Jun was in the city, lulled her into a hazy drowsiness.

As she fought to stay awake, the murmurs around her ceased. The bustling gate fell eerily silent.

A premonition jolted her awake. She looked up and saw the magnificent horse had returned, standing a short distance away. The crowd watched as the imposing man strode towards a peasant woman huddled by the wall, her clothes filthy, her face obscured by grime.

Yet, the man seemed to recognize her instantly. Without hesitation, he reached down and swept her into his arms, holding her close amidst the gasps of the onlookers.

"Yaoyao..."

Zong Jun held her as if she were the most precious treasure. "Yaoyao..." His breath, warm and ragged, brushed against her ear. His arms tightened around her, but words failed him. He could only repeat her name, over and over. "Yaoyao... Yaoyao..."

He had almost lost her.

"I'll never lose you again," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. Yao Ji felt a warm wetness on her shoulder.

"Mmm," she murmured, her arms embracing him in return. "And I'll never let you."