Poppy’s breath hitched.
He lowered his forehead to hers. “Stand with me,” he whispered. “Just stand with me.”
“I will,” she whispered back.
The foxfire rose in a sudden, brilliant flare—surrounding both of them like a blooming star. The elders gasped softly, and Xu Yunlian pressed a hand to her chest.
Minghua shrieked, “They’re so in love.”
Mingzhao cleared his throat sharply. “The ceremony is not finished.”
The foxfire drifted upward slowly until the last spark faded into the morning sky.
Silence settled—warm and comforting.
Xu Yunlian stepped forward. “It is done. Penelope Sinclair, you are now under the protection and blessing of Huoyáo Jìng.”
Minghua launched herself at Poppy like an unguided missile. “Welcome to the family!”
Poppy squeaked, and Mingjun peeled his sister off Poppy with the weariness of a man who had done this too many times.
“Stop frightening her,” he said.
“I’m showing affection!”
“You’re showing chaos.”
Lysandra, sprawled across a rock like a fainting duchess, waved weakly. “I foresaw this. Not really, but I’m taking credit.”
When the crowd finally dissipated and the ceremonial tools were collected, Mingxi guided Poppy to a quiet corner of the clearing. She stood barefoot on the warm stone, still glowing faintly with foxfire residue. He brushed his thumb along her cheek, expression soft with something fragile and fierce all at once.
“You did beautifully,” he murmured.
“I was terrified.”
“I know. And you still stood.” He exhaled. “You’re braver than you think.”
Poppy blushed. “Thank you… for wanting me here.”
His breath hitched. “There is nowhere safer for you than beside me.”
Her heartbeat quickened. Something warm and electric passed between them. Mingxi leaned in slightly, an inch and then two.
“Hey!” Minghua yelled across the clearing. “Stop kissing in front of the ancestors!”
Poppy covered her face with both hands, and Mingxi made a sound that might’ve been a plea for death.
Xu Yunlian called gently, “Minghua, let them be.”
“No! This is fun.”
Mingxi leaned close to Poppy’s ear. “Ignore her.”
“She scares me,” Poppy whispered.
“She scares everyone,” Mingxi agreed.
Chapter 85
