Chapter 18 – Beneath the Sea of Clouds
Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains as Ryuga slowly awakened from his sleep.
Today was different. Today, he was going out with Lingling and Yan Yan to explore Heaven Dou City together.
The memory of their agreement from last night made a faint smile appear on his face.
Without wasting time, he rose from the bed and headed straight for the bath.
After washing up, he dressed carefully in a black shirt and ash-colored trousers, then neatly combed his hair.
He looked at his reflection and nodded with satisfaction.
"Hm. Handsome as ever," he muttered to himself before heading downstairs.
Eliza had already prepared breakfast and set the table by the time Ryuga arrived.
Seeing her son dressed up so neatly, her eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Good morning, my handsome son," she teased warmly.
"You look very charming today."
Ryuga smiled and sat down. "Then I should thank you, Mom. You chose these clothes for me."
He leaned over and kissed her cheek lightly.
Eliza laughed softly. "Go on then. Your mother approves of both girls," she said with a wink.
Ryuga nearly choked on his breakfast but decided it was wiser not to argue.
At eleven sharp, Ryuga stood waiting beside the grand fountain at the center of the noble district.
The clear water sparkled under the sunlight as nobles and servants passed by in small groups.
A few minutes later, Lingling and Yan Yan arrived together.
Both of them had clearly taken extra care with their appearance today.
"Sorry for the wait," Yan Yan said apologetically.
Lingling bowed her head slightly as well.
"It's fine. I just arrived too," Ryuga replied with a smile, then quietly observed them.
Lingling was dressed in a soft white knee-length dress with light lavender ribbons at her waist and sleeves.
A small silver pendant rested at her neck, shimmering gently with every movement.
Her blue hair was braided neatly into two gentle plaits, tied at the ends with pale pink ribbons.
She looked like a quiet spring morning—pure, calm, and tender.
Yan Yan, in contrast, wore a bold dark red jacket over a black top and pleated skirt.
The confident colors made her bright green eyes stand out sharply.
A crimson flame-shaped hair clip held her hair in place, and black boots reached to mid-calf.
She looked lively, fearless, and dazzling in her own way.
"Lingling, you look elegant and beautiful," Ryuga said softly.
"Like a gentle spring morning."
A faint blush spread beneath Lingling's veil as her heart fluttered uncontrollably.
She lowered her gaze shyly but could not stop the warmth filling her chest.
Ryuga then turned to Yan Yan and paused for a moment.
"You're very beautiful and charming today," he said with a slight, awkward blush.
Yan Yan froze, her breath catching for a second.
That same strange tingling feeling from the day before returned, making her heart race.
"You also look very handsome, Ryuga," Lingling said shyly.
Yan Yan nodded in agreement, her face warm with color.
Their shy smiles met in the sunlight, and the atmosphere between them softened naturally.
"Let's go," Ryuga said as he turned toward the city streets.
Lingling followed on his right, Yan Yan on his left.
The lively bustle of Heaven Dou City greeted them with sound, color, and aroma.
Their first stop was the market district, overflowing with life and noise.
Vendors called out loudly while the scent of fresh pastries filled the air.
"There's so much here!" Yan Yan said excitedly, eyes sparkling.
Lingling quietly nodded in wonder.
Ryuga bought three sticks of candied fruit and handed one to each girl.
Yan Yan took a bite and laughed. "Sweet! But sticky."
"Then don't talk with your mouth full," Ryuga teased.
She puffed her cheeks in mock anger, making Lingling giggle softly.
Later, Ryuga stopped at a small jewelry stall and bought a silver hairpin with a blue gem.
He gently handed it to Lingling.
"It matches your eyes," he said quietly.
Lingling froze for a moment before accepting it with trembling fingers.
"Th-thank you… I'll treasure it."
Yan Yan crossed her arms with a playful glare. "And what about me?"
Ryuga smiled and handed her a crimson bracelet.
"For the bold and charming lady."
She raised her head proudly. "At least you have good taste," she said, smiling brightly.
They spent the afternoon wandering through toy shops, food stalls, and street performances.
At one small game stall, Ryuga failed several times to throw a ring onto a bottle.
"You missed again!" Yan Yan laughed loudly.
"So much for a so-called genius."
With a grin, Ryuga tried again—and this time succeeded.
He won a small stuffed wolf and handed it to Yan Yan.
"For someone who laughs at my bad aim," he said casually.
She blinked in surprise before smiling softly.
"I'll keep it," she said quietly.
As the sun slowly drifted westward, the city streets glowed with golden light.
The noise of the crowd softened into a peaceful lull.
"Let's go," Ryuga said gently.
"The sunset will be beautiful today."
He led them toward the western cliffs overlooking the city.
Marble railings and flowering trees lined the path.
When they reached the lookout terrace, all three of them fell silent.
The vast sky stretched endlessly before them.
Below lay a sea of clouds, rolling like silver waves beneath the sinking sun.
Crimson and gold light painted the sky in molten colors.
"It's beautiful…" Lingling whispered in awe.
Yan Yan smiled softly. "It really is."
Ryuga smiled faintly. "Then let's see it more closely."
In the next instant, he vanished from his position.
Before either girl could react, they felt their bodies lift from the ground.
Strong arms held them securely as the wind rushed past their ears.
Yan Yan clutched Ryuga's shoulder tightly.
Lingling instinctively wrapped her arms around him as well.
Ryuga spread his massive metallic wings and soared upward into the clouds.
When they stopped amid the glowing mist, his voice reached them softly.
"Open your eyes."
The first thing they saw was Ryuga's calm, handsome face framed by shadowy armor.
Behind him, enormous black wings glowed faintly with silver and violet reflection.
Then they turned their gazes outward.
Before them stretched an endless ocean of glowing clouds.
The sinking sun burned like molten gold at the edge of the world.
Rays of crimson, amber, and violet pierced the mist like flowing fire.
Even faint rainbows shimmered through the haze.
The cool, pure wind brushed across their faces.
For a moment, it felt as though the world below no longer existed.
Lingling's lips trembled. "It feels like… heaven."
Yan Yan's voice shook softly. "It's like a dream."
Ryuga's wings reflected the dying sunlight as they floated in silence.
Half shadow, half light, he held both girls safely as twilight swallowed the sky.
The sun finally sank beneath the cloud sea.
All that remained was silver-blue dusk and the quiet beating of three hearts.
This was no longer just a sunset.
It became a memory that would never fade.
Written by:- Ashborn_
Edited by:- Chat GPT