Jian didn't know how to answer him.
The question hung in the air like smoke, heavy and suffocating. Li Wang's fingertips lingered near his golden eyes, as if trying to erase what he saw.
Jian pulled back suddenly, the distance sharp and intentional. His heart thudded once, hard, before he turned away.
"You should go home," Jian said quickly, voice tight. "It's the safest place for you now."
Li Wang blinked, momentarily stunned. He slowly pushed himself to his feet, wincing at the pain that radiated from his side. Dust and exhaustion clung to him, but his eyes were focused—intensely so—on Jian.
He took a step forward.
Reaching out, he caught Jian's hand, fingers wrapping around his firmly. "You're coming with me," he said quietly but with certainty.
Jian didn't move at first. Then, with a firm shake of his head, he pulled his hand out of Li Wang's grip.
"I'm not going there."
