He caught my wrist, catching the end of the cord to wind it back into place. “This is too delicate; you might need something stronger,” he observed, running a finger across it. The threads glowed with his magic, hardening to gleaming strips of chestnut-brown, which crisscrossed over my wrists. From the pulse of energy thrumming against my skin, this was no ordinary material; more pliant than leather and yet sturdier.

“Thank you.” I held them up to examine them. “What is it?”

“This can withstand even the sharpest blades, though not for long.” As his gaze searched my face, I tensed. “Where have you been? I haven’t seen you all day,” he asked.

“The Mortal Realm. I was at my father’s grave.” My deceit lay in concealment.

His eyes darkened with understanding. “I know how much you grieve for him.”

I hesitated, before asking, “Liwei, what have you heard of the Elixir of Immortality?” I did not want to steal from his father. If there was another way, I would seek it—but if not, I would not falter.

“Its creation is something only my father is privy to. He guards it well, for such a thing might change the fate of the world below.” He paused. “Why do you ask?”

A longing swept through me to confide in him, but I had given my word to Tao. Yet I would tell him what I could, for I wanted no other lies between us.

“My father is alive. I met him in the Mortal Realm,” I said haltingly. Even now it seemed a dream, though all my hopes were entwined with fear.

Liwei stared at me, wide-eyed. “The Black Dragon said he had died. Why do you think he’s your father?”

“He’s of the right age. He carries a bow of our realm. He knew my past and my mother’s.”

“Many a fortune hunter will claim anything for the chance to win an immortal’s aid,” he cautioned.

“I know my father here.” I pressed my fingertips to my chest.

Liwei clasped my hands in his. “You want to believe him, Xingyin—but this could be mere coincidence or contrivance. Many mortals are familiar with your parents’ tale, countless more are of the right age. Perhaps he obtained that weapon from Kunlun Mountain. At least consider the possibility that this mortal is not who he claims to be.”

His reasoning was sound, though his doubt stung. Yes, I wanted this to be true, yet I was not oblivious to the facts. Once before, I had allowed this to happen. But while my trust was bruised, I believed the part inside me that sensed the truth—my father was alive.

“He is my father. The Jade Dragon Bow—”

“Are you asking about the elixir for him?” Liwei’s grip tightened. “It’s too dangerous. We must find out more about this mortal; this is not something to rush into.”