We did end up embracing our desires that night. When I woke up in his arms to the milky dawn light, I almost regretted accepting Wen Shiyin's invitation. I wanted nothing more than staying in his warm embrace for the rest of the day—for the rest of my life—but unfortunately, that wasn't an option. After a series of lingering kisses, I reluctantly climbed out of his bed and readied myself for the trip.
Most of the group had already gathered at the main gate by the time I arrived. As the rest slowly trickled into place, I scanned the small circle we made and tried to match names to all the somewhat familiar faces. There were a little fewer than twenty of us, about half of whom I recognized. I nodded my greetings to Wen Shiyin, Qi Lian, and …
A bad omen rose in me when I saw Guo Lingling, Zhong Yilan's fellow junior and best friend, and Li Yuxian, the Gatekeeper's disciple who I overheard suggesting that dual cultivation technique to Chu Xi.