Bai Li's protective instincts surged as he watched the grief-stricken scene. Meili's pain was palpable.
Quietly, he stepped out from the bamboo that masked his presence, careful not to intrude without warning.
Mei Sunren glanced over his shoulder at him, his expression pained at his helplessness in the face of his sister's grief.
Bai Li's gaze fell on the cairn, and his heart sank as he jumped to the most likely conclusion about the occupant.
He moved closer to the pair; the crunch of rocks and bamboo leaves underfoot announcing his arrival.
"Meili," he said softly, his voice filled with sympathy.
Mei Sunren stepped aside, leaving the clearing without any words, just letting Bai Li kneel beside Meili, knowing that the Commander's presence would offer his meimei comfort.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Bai Li's hand rested lightly on Meili's shoulder, offering her his care and sympathy.
