𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧

25 - when reality crumbles

a.n.

hey there, apologies for the delay in updating - turns out my brain likes to play "surprise! important plot point!" every now and then, which means i had to rewrite the entire chapter from scratch. but hey, who needs sleep when you have an overactive imagination, amirite? anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter!

**********
(a few months later)

Y/n walked through the deserted streets of Mondstadt early in the morning, her eyes lacking focus.

How long had it been since she last slept? As much as she adored the idea of sleeping, it was something that never came easy to her. It had only gotten worse with age, as the weight of her memories weighed heavy on her mind, rendering her restless. Sometimes, she went for months without a proper slumber.

She walked aimlessly, so lost in her thoughts that she didn't even realize when she collided with someone.

"Owwww...Watch where you're going, kiddo!" the woman protested.

Y/n apologized before quickly turning and walking in the opposite direction. She wasn't sure where her feet were taking her, but they seemed to be leading her somewhere.

"Sup." Y/n greeted the coordinator of the Knights of Favonius, her voice devoid of emotion.

"Hello, Y/n! I see you want to accept more bounties?" he asked, his tone laced with concern.

Y/n nodded, and he frowned, studying her face for a moment. "You're...a bit quiet today, are you alright?"

Another nod from Y/n.

"You don't have to accept bounties every week, you know! You've already contributed so much towards the knights. Why don't you take a break?" he suggested.

Y/n shook her head. "Just give me the most dangerous bounties as usual, please," she said.

The coordinator sighed but complied, handing Y/n her usual three weekly bounties. Y/n gave a tiny nod as thanks, and then left to accept her four daily commissions, hoping to at least earn some spare mora to take her mind off her troubles.

**********

Y/n activated her concealment ability as she followed the criminal through the crowded village streets. At the same time, Jarvis fed her information about the criminal's movements, and she silently tracked him through the maze of people and stalls.

The criminal, a notorious thief known for his slick skills in pickpocketing and burglary, was making his way through the crowd. Y/n could see the excitement in his eyes as he looked at his next target.

As she drew closer to the criminal, she could feel her heart racing with adrenaline. This was the moment she had been waiting for all week. The moment where she could lose herself in the thrill of the hunt.

She watched as he made his move, reaching for a purse that was hanging from a woman's shoulder.

And then, in a flash, she struck.

The criminal never knew what hit him. Y/n moved with lightning speed, her scythe flashing through the air as she delivered a swift and deadly blow. The criminal crumpled to the ground, his lifeless body hidden from view by the throngs of people milling about.

Y/n stood over the body, her eyes scanning the scene with a satisfied smirk. It was another successful takedown, another criminal brought to justice. As she rifled through the thief's belongings, a glimmer caught her eye.

A stolen necklace, perhaps? A handful of coins? But as she emptied the contents of the bag onto the ground, a peculiar object fell out. It was a book, its title embossed with gold lettering: