Crickets chirping faintly. The storm has passed. But silence… too still, too hollow
lee wanxia
(pacing near the fire)
No footsteps. No breath behind the door.
(softly)
Did it leave?
jiangshi
(seated in shadow)
No.
(voice low)
It waits...
lee wanxia
(frustrated)
Then why not attack?
jiangshi
Because it can’t cross without an invitation.
(glances at him)
Like me...
lee wanxia
(turns sharply)
So you admit it. You're no better than the monster outside.
jiangshi
(chuckles dryly)
No.
(stands, steps closer)
I’m worse.
I know exactly what I am..
Floorboards creak as Jiangshi approaches slowly. His presence presses in—cool, suffocating, magnetic.
lee wanxia
(holds his ground)
Then why protect me?
jiangshi
(quietly)
Because I’ve killed kings and gods...
(his voice dips)
...but I could never bring myself to hurt you...
lee wanxia
(heart skips)
Even now?
jiangshi
(leans in, voice a breath against his skin)
Especially now.
(beat)
You look at me like I’m still someone worth saving...
lee wanxia
(barely audible)
Maybe I’m just a fool
jiangshi
Then let me be your favorite mistake
(soft sarcasm)
(steps back suddenly)
You always were drawn to danger.
lee wanxia
(eyes follow him, lips parted)
You talk like we’ve done this before...
jiangshi
(smiles faintly)
Over a hundred lives, Wanxia.
(pauses)
You’ve always been the end of me...
Distant cry in the woods — human, but twisted. A long, unnatural wail...
lee wanxia
(grabs coat)
That was a villager!!
jiangshi
(cold again, deadly calm)
No.
It was wearing a villager
lee wanxia
(stares, breath caught)
Then what do we do??
jiangshi
(voice sharpens)
We wait till dawn.
If it sees your blood, the loop will start over... again.
(softens)
And this time, I don’t want to lose the way you look at me.
Crackling fire. A heartbeat. Then silence...
lee wanxia
(sits down, exhausted)
If I fall asleep... will you be here when I wake?
jiangshi
(after a pause)
For every moment you remember me...
I will never leave your side.
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