whatever you left behind, became all of me.

6.

Morax hasn't visited in a while, but when he does, it's to bring you some bad news.

Guizhong is gone, he tells you. And as soon as the words leave his mouth, his normally unwavering expression crumbles. He stares down at the Glaze Lilies clutched in his hands, as though remembering Guizhong's smile, the brightness of her laughter, the gracefulness to her gait. As you surely are.

Later, you tell Haitham that you don't wish to be disturbed. You retire to your bed chambers. You blow out the candles.

And you lie there in the dark for what seems like forever, listening to the distant sobs of a girl who has possessed your skin. You are floating in space.

But when you do phase back to your senses, the wailing sounds coming from you are terrible and inhuman. And you can feel all at once how heavy your body is, how raw your throat is from all the screaming. Your vision is blurry and wet.

You think that you hear Guizhong's voice, soothing and comforting, but when you wake, she's gone, turned to dust upon the wind.

And you're alone.

When you leave your chambers, your eyes are red-rimmed and swollen, but your ever-present smile is etched upon your features.

Haitham is the only one brave enough to ask if you're alright, even though he must surely know what the answer will be.

"I'm fine," You say, but your voice breaks apart and refuses to put itself back together.

To your relief, Haitham doesn't say anything else, but his eyes never leave the cluster of Glaze Lilies now adorning your own hair.