With Han Qiaone finally gone, the suffocating pressure in the room vanished.
Yue Yue let out a long, shaky sigh and turned her full attention back to the little bundle in her arms. The tiny black snake was still trembling slightly, his small claws clutching her dress.
"It's okay, my little one," Yue Yue cooed, rubbing her cheek against his smooth, obsidian scales.
"The scary man is gone. Mama is here."
The cub let out a soft, rhythmic purr and looked up at her with his big violet eyes.
Han Soi stepped closer, his stony expression melting into one of pure warmth. He reached out a finger, and the baby snake immediately coiled his tail around it.
"He's strong," Han Soi said, his voice thick with pride. "He recognized the threat and stayed quiet. He's a true warrior of the Winged Serpent."
"We should hold a celebration for him," Yue Yue said, her eyes shining.
"He hatched so early, and he's so healthy. We need to introduce him to the world...properly, this time."
