Red Rose [Never Let You Go, Again Book 3]

12: Jade In Black

A/N: The cover's been changed just because sparkling bright and rosy pink didn't quite give off the vibes to come in this book, hehe. 😅 Oh, and there's a quote from a future chapter in the cover, too, hint of a spoiler but I don't care. Hope yall like it overall! 

Stay smiling! Hugsie! ❤️ WXLL.

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"Wangji, why on earth didn't you tell me all this? Why did you rush into it alone?"

"Gege won't let me."

"Of course, I won't! Exactly why are you doing this?"

"Gege, A-Ying's turning colder."

"Is he cold even to you?"

"No, not to me, but..."

"Sizhui?"

"No–"

"Jingyi?"

"Gege, no, he knows how to control it. But–"

"If he knows how to control it, what are you worrying for?" Xichen asked as he stopped walking along the Cold Springs' banks and turned to look at his younger brother.

Lan Wangji halted and sighed. "Gege, he's trying to control it all. He's done the absorption five times now. Aura keeps darkening. Eyes tend to be red. Caught him spitting blood several times."

"What? Is it that bad?"

"Mn."

"What do you propose? Give the sceptre back to keep within him? As before? That'll only worsen things, Wangji," Xichen replied solemnly.

Lan Wangji shook his head.

"Then what is your suggestion?"

Lan Wangji gulped and looked away into the cold water.

"NO!" Xichen shouted. "Don't even think of it. You are not to continue this thing you're doing. Stop immediately. You threw yourself into the flames once I don't think Wuxian can take it again, Wangji. He can control all this better than he can control his desire to suicide if you're gone. Let things be this way. Please," Xichen begged. "Wangji? Are you even listening to me? WANGJI!"

"Yes, gege," Lan Wangji mumbled under his breath.

"Wangji, look at me. LOOK at me!" Xichen grabbed him by the shoulders and twisted him around.

Silver coating gold. The softest film of water. A thin clear ribbon, torn at the tip, threads of its silky silver hanging loose down his cheek. Tears.

The one thing Lan Wangji shed only for two people: Mother and A-Ying. And also the one thing Lan Xichen hated to see on his little brother's face.

"Wangji, please... I know you care for him but sometimes... I fear you care for him too much. I can't lose my didi again, Wangji, please." 

"Gege, I won't go anywhere. I can control it. I'm stronger than him, I can manage."

"Didi..." Xichen shook his head hopelessly. He knew that look of determination all too well. How many times had he seen it? Ever since Wangji had asked to bring someone to Gusu to hide him. To when he did bring that someone, visage masked, but his heart unmasked by the one melody he played. To when he'd defied everyone at Koi tower to snatch Wei Ying away. To when he sealed his spiritual energy at Guanyin Temple to save him. To when he asked Shufu for his blessings. To when he told them about sacrificing himself to absorb Wei Ying's energy to save his life. To now. All over again. All to save that one person.