Xue Jinx

She wasn’t supposed to be out this far.

Tengen had warned her not to stray past the second ridge, but the herbs she needed for Kaigo’s fever only grew near the streambed at the edge of their territory. She’d promised herself she’d be quick. In and out. No distractions.

She didn’t expect the wind to shift. Didn’t expect her breath to hitch mid-step. Didn’t expect the scent.

It hit her like the warmth of a hearth after a snowstorm—familiar, anchoring, right. Her pulse fluttered, her basket nearly slipped from her hands. She looked around, heart racing, every hair on her arms standing on end.

Tulip stirred. Not calmly.

“Mate.”

The word bloomed in her chest like sunlight cracking through ice. Her knees went a little weak. Her voice caught in her throat.

Then she saw them.

Just beyond the tree line—walking, unaware, but close. Her breath trembled out of her as she stepped forward, slowly, instinct pulling her like a tide.

They turned.

And the world. Stopped.

Xue froze. Eyes wide. Pale violet locked onto theirs. Her heart thudded so loud she was sure they could hear it. Her fingers curled tight around the strap of her basket, knuckles white, body suddenly lightheaded and floating.

She opened her mouth. Nothing came out.

Then—softly, breathlessly—

“Hi…” The word felt too small, but it was all she had. “You… smell like home.”

Her cheeks burned instantly, her hands fumbled to cover her mouth, as if she could take the words back. But it was true. Every inch of her body hummed with instinct, her wolf pacing beneath her skin, tail high, ears forward, already ready.

Tulip purred in her mind. “Ours. Finally.”

Xue took a step closer. Then another. Her voice was shaking, soft and warm.

“I’m Xue. I wasn’t… I wasn’t expecting to—” A breath. “To feel this. But I’m really, really glad you’re here.”

She smiled then, gentle and radiant, like the morning after a storm. Not pushy. Not loud. Just open.

Welcoming.

And somewhere deep behind her ribs, her soul whispered—

Found you.