Chapter Thirdteen: “Silken Offering”

The enchanted bracelet shimmered faintly on Xie Lian's wrist, its magic nearly drained after weeks of unexpected transformations, surprise purring, and—most infamously—divine dairy disasters.

"I think I've finally stabilized," Xie Lian said, staring at his reflection in a polished basin. No ears. No tail. No unexpected noises.

"You look perfect," Hua Cheng said from behind, his voice smooth as wine, arms wrapped loosely around Xie Lian's waist.

"I look normal," Xie Lian corrected, placing his hands over Hua Cheng's.

"Exactly what I said." Hua Cheng pressed a kiss to his temple. "But if I'm honest… I'll miss the ears."

Xie Lian turned, face glowing with both fondness and a touch of exasperation. "You enjoyed this too much."

"I enjoy you, whatever form you're in."

Xie Lian laughed, soft and genuine, before stepping back. "Well. Since you've put up with my… chaos, I thought I should thank you."

Hua Cheng's brow arched. "Oh?"

Xie Lian reached behind the folding screen, retrieving something small. "No bracelet. No magic. Just me."

He slipped away, vanishing into Hua Cheng's private chambers for several minutes.

And when he returned—Hua Cheng blinked once, twice.

Xie Lian wore a dark, sleeveless robe, light as gossamer, trimmed in silver embroidery that shimmered with every step. The cut was bold, but elegant—sliding off one shoulder, slits along the sides showing flashes of bare thigh. His hair was loosely tied up, wisps curling around his face.

"I practiced," Xie Lian said quietly, cheeks pink but determined. "In secret. As a surprise."

Hua Cheng's single eye darkened, though the smile that curved his lips remained soft. "You did this… for me?"

Xie Lian nodded, stepping into the soft glow of lantern light.

Then the music began—nothing more than a slow rhythm he hummed himself—and with graceful, teasing sways of his hips, Xie Lian began to dance.

It wasn't perfect. It wasn't polished.

But it was sincere, sensual, and every part of it was him.

He let the fabric brush against Hua Cheng's legs, leaned in close to whisper a playful, "thank you, for putting up with my chaos" before turning away, letting his hair fall like silk over one shoulder.

By the end of the song, Xie Lian was laughing breathlessly, face flushed with exertion and nerves.

"Well?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper as he looked over at his cheng, smiling and breathing hardly.

Hua Cheng stood without a word, walked to him, and cradled Xie Lian's face in both hands.

"You are," he said, with fierce tenderness, "the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I don't deserve this."

"You do," Xie Lian replied, eyes shining. "All of it."

They didn't need magic. Or milk. Or mayhem.

Just each other.

And a little music.

To be continued.