*Briella*

My muscles coiled like a spring, my heart slamming against my ribs as the air in front of us shimmered, contorting into the silhouette of Tian. "Tian," I breathed, unsheathing my blade and standing ready, green eyes narrowed in focus.

For a moment, I was frozen in fear. The only sound was our breaths echoing off the stone walls.

"Tian," I repeated. My voice was stronger this time as I took a step forward.

His form wavered like a mirage in the ...