She was already far too comfortable with Lu Yuze, with this life, with these children who called her mother, and this home that had somehow become hers.
The question was whether she'd be allowed to keep it, or whether the celestial world she'd left behind would come to drag her back.
Her brother waiting downstairs was just the beginning of that reckoning.
Shuyin stood and moved to the window, looking out over the estate grounds. Somewhere down there, Long Chen was waiting. Soon, she'd have to face him, answer his questions, and deal with whatever news he'd brought from their father and the celestial court.
The water continued running in the bathroom, and Shuyin smiled to herself.
Her husband was taking a shower, and she had a few more minutes of normalcy to savor before reality came crashing back in.
While Lu Yuze showered, Shuyin left the bedroom and descended the stairs, her sandals echoing softly against the polished wood with each step.
