All Right, All Right, It’s Yours

"My Mother Goddess said, you're supposed to put this on your husband's wrist with your own hand on your wedding night! It's supposed to be ceremonial!"

"You already plucked my Heartscale."

"I didn't mean to..." She reached out and pressed the spot where the Heartscale had been.

The Heartscale pressed against her chest, and Sean Shaw sucked in a sharp breath, his breathing suddenly unsteady.

"What's wrong?" Lucy Luan noticed.

Sean shook his head. "It's nothing... Maybe I drank a bit too much. Give me the bracelet."

"I told you, it's only for the wedding night!"

"I want it now."

"Who does things like you?!"

Sean's face darkened as he stared at her, saying nothing.

"Fine, fine! Here you go! Seriously..." Lucy Luan took out the Sanctum Bracelet and handed it to him.

He stretched out his hand, clearly wanting Lucy to put it on for him.

"Just keep it for now!" Lucy slapped the bracelet into his palm. "If my family sees you wearing it tonight... it won't look good!"

Sean tucked away the bracelet, looking a bit disgruntled.

"After tomorrow, you can wear it!"

Only then did Sean finally crack a smile.

"I'm heading out now!" She spun around to leave, but in turning, she squeezed the Heartscale again.

Sean clenched his fists and yanked her back...

...

Lucy Luan returned to her own quarters, only to find High Goddess Vivian Lu waiting for her in the courtyard.

She was standing in front of the flower trellis, gazing at the painting on Sean's Flower Egg.

"Mother Goddess." She called out nervously.

High Goddess Vivian Lu turned around, her gaze landing on Lucy's hair. She plucked out a dried leaf, then pointed to the marks on Lucy's back and asked, "Where did you get these?"

"I probably brushed against a tree just now..." Lucy said awkwardly, quickly using a Cleaning Talisman on herself.

Vivian Lu's gaze fell on Lucy's slightly swollen lips and the marks on her neck. She raised an eyebrow and said, "Come inside, let's talk."

Mother and daughter went inside and sat down. Lucy asked, "Mother Goddess... why did you come looking for me?"

"What else would I be here for? To ask you: who did you choose?"

Lucy bit her lip and didn't answer.

"We're at the critical moment—don't be shy! At least tell your Mother Goddess first, okay?" Vivian Lu said.

Lucy reached into her collar and took out the Heartscale.

Vivian Lu raised an eyebrow. "You even gave him your Heartscale?"

"I... accidentally pulled it out..."

"I figured you'd choose him." Vivian Lu sighed. "Mother Goddess can hardly bear to see you marry far away..."

"Drake Abyss isn't far at all," Lucy said. "Once I'm part of the royal family, I'll have Elderworld travel privileges. I could just zip home whenever I want."

"But the Celestial Empress and the Fifth Prince don't get along. How can we feel at ease with you marrying into that?"

"He said His Majesty the Celestial Emperor will build him a divine residence. We'll move out once it's ready."

Vivian Lu studied her. "Are you really sure about this?"

Lucy nodded.

"All right then! I get it!" Vivian Lu got up. "Rest early tonight!"

"Okay." Lucy stood up and walked her out.