“A human-beast symbiote.” Lin Ye’s voice was as cold as the back of a blade, utterly devoid of warmth. “The old city has rules. Supernatural creatures are forbidden from taking human form, and symbiotes are sentenced to death. You know that.”
The boy said nothing. He only bit down hard on his lower lip, which was already split and bleeding. His left hand rested atop Ye Xiao’s head, his touch so gentle it seemed impossible, as if he were soothing an injured child. The dying beast let out a quiet whimper. It was neither afraid nor in pain, but reluctant to part, its sound filled with attachment.
“It hasn’t hurt anyone.” The boy’s voice was hoarse, as if scraped raw, and trembled almost imperceptibly. “We were only looking for food. The old city’s garbage bins are full of things even humans won’t touch. We… we just want to survive.”
Lin Ye’s hunting knife faltered. Its tip came half an inch closer to the boy’s throat, but he did not press down any further.
