"Are you... alright?" The tiny, innocent voice from his arms tugged at the edges of his concentration.
Zhenxi, nestled closely against him, peered up with eyes clouded with concern, her small brow furrowed as she witnessed Wang Xiao's sudden change.
Gently, Wang Xiao reclined against a sturdy pillar beneath the bridge, the rough concrete a clear opposite to the softness of the creature in his care.
Carefully setting Zhenxi down, he cradled her face in his hands, his touch as gentle as falling petals, yet imbued with a potent healing warmth.
"??" At first, Zhenxi blinked in puzzlement, uncomprehending the magic at play.
But as the warmth seeped deeper, her expression blossomed into one of relief and wonder.
The angry red marks that had marred her delicate features began to fade under the soothing influence of Wang Xiao's powers.