In the crushing silence that followed, an idea occurred to the Matriarch. After some hesitation, she broached, "If you are willing, my lord, there is a way we can test this theory right now."
After meeting Bai Ruyi's hopeful eyes, she shifted her gaze to look meaningfully at her son.
Quick to understand what she meant, Lindon whispered in horror, "Mother."
Bai Ruyi was much slower to take in what she was trying to get at.
"It would only be a brief touch," the Matriarch said, aware of the unpalatable implications of what she was suggesting but standing by it. "Merely to confirm if contact with Lord Ruyi could cause such a reaction with anyone—not exclusively with Lord Xue's reincarnation."
Only after it was spelled out like this did Bai Ruyi understand.
His reaction was immediate.
"N
