"Where is he?" she asked Run Chu, Hei Yan's second-in-command. Run Chu's expression darkened. "There was an incident near the border. A young cub wandered too close to Snake territory. Alpha went to retrieve him."
"That was yesterday!" Xin Yi's stomach twisted. "Why isn't he back yet?"
"We don't know." Run Chu looked genuinely worried. "He should have returned by now."
[Ooh, trouble! (⊙_⊙)]
Xin Yi tried to focus on the clothing lessons, but her mind kept drifting. Was Hei Yan okay? Had he gotten into a fight with Qing Li? Was he hurt?
Why did she even CARE so much?
[Because Host is catching feelings! ♪]
"I am NOT!"
"Not what?" Feng Huang appeared at her elbow, making her jump.
"Nothing! Don't you have clothes to make?"
"Already finished mine." He gestured to his very minimal tunic. "Now I'm here to help you."
"I don't need—"
"You look worried, Xin Yi." His voice softened slightly, losing some of its playful edge. "Are you concerned about the Panther?"
