Eternal Slumber (2)

Suddenly, shimmering portals materialized around Yun Lintian. One by one, the others emerged, their movements slow and weary.

Qingqing, the first to appear, scrambled towards Yun Lintian and clung to him like a koala. Her small frame trembled, and her face was sickly pale.

Yun Lintian wrapped his arms around her, offering comfort with gentle pats on her back. He understood she'd likely faced something terrifying.

"I-I thought I wouldn't see you again," Qingqing sobbed, burying her head in his chest.

"It's alright now," Yun Lintian murmured, not wanting to delve into the specifics of her experience, fearing it might resurface the trauma she desperately wanted to forget.

Linlin mirrored Qingqing's actions, hopping onto Yun Lintian's shoulder and nuzzling his cheek for solace. Just like her sister, she'd believed their reunion was a lost hope.