He didn't let go of her.
Instead, his fingers lightly rested against her back, not forceful, but firm enough to remind her that she couldn't leave if he didn't allow it. He studied her quietly, as if memorizing every small reaction she made.
"You look nervous," he said gently.
She tensed. "I'm not."
His smile deepened just a little. "You are."
She bit her lip, clearly uncomfortable. "High Priest… you should let me go."
"Yanshen," he corrected softly. "Call me Yanshen."
She didn't respond.
Silence fell between them. The air felt heavy, filled with words neither of them spoke. His eyes darkened slightly as he looked at her lowered lashes and trembling fingers.
"You were trying to leave," he said calmly, not accusing, just stating a fact.
Yue Yue's shoulders stiffened. "I… didn't want to disturb you."
A pause.
Then he chuckled quietly, a low sound near her ear. "Is that so?"
She didn't answer.
