The wind was howling a melancholy melody through the ruins of the Golden House, carrying the scent of shattered dreams. There he stood with his dark mane atop one crumbling pillar, he had lines of weariness on his face, scars resulting from centuries of battling demons. However, tonight, it seemed one new emotion had flickered within his amber orbs. It was the night his dearest Traveler had returned, bringing with him a whispered promise that dared to challenge his, Xiao’s, very existence: The promise of happiness.

His Traveler embodied the name of Aether, wondrous golden locks flowing along the hum of wind as he tilted his head, amusement dancing in his hazelnut gaze. “Xiao,” he began, voice a gentle breeze rustling through the Adepti Abode’s golden leaves, Aether’s voice always felt like kisses grazing his skin. Pleasant was it. His cold skin evaded with immediate war...