Moonlit Hearts

Chapter 8: A Father's Resolve

From this chapter onward, everything will be mostly under Lan Wangji's point of view . 

Hope you will enjoy these chapter if you read till here! 

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Lan Wangji awoke at dawn, the pale light filtering through the paper screens. He remained still, his senses gradually sharpening. Against his back, a small, warm presence made itself known. Slowly, he turned, careful not to disturb the child nestled there.

A-Yuan lay curled in the blankets, his small frame cocooned with only his nose peeking out. His soft, rhythmic breathing was a lullaby in the quiet morning. Wangji moved to rise, but the warmth of a tiny hand reached out, fingers wrapping around his wrist with surprising resolve.

"Gege," A-Yuan murmured, his voice a barely audible whisper, as fragile as the morning light.

Wangji paused, his heart catching at the sound. "Hm," he answered softly, waiting.

The boy's voice quivered, laced with vulnerability. "Where is Gege?"

Wangji sank back onto the bed, his mind a storm of emotions. He sought the right words, mindful of the delicate balance between truth and reassurance. Lying was forbidden in the Cloud Recesses, but how could he explain something so vast to a child so small?

"Wei Ying is on a mission," he said at last, his voice steady and warm. "He's doing something very important, but he will return. He would never leave you, A-Yuan. Neither will I."

A-Yuan's eyes searched his, lingering traces of fear still present. Wangji reached out, gently pulling the boy into his arms. He held him close, A-Yuan's head tucking naturally beneath his chin. The child clung to him, small arms wrapping tightly around his frame.

In the quiet of that embrace, Wangji let the silence speak. Words could fail, but warmth, presence, and love were languages the heart understood. He held A-Yuan until the boy's breathing steadied, his small body relaxing with trust.

When it was time, Wangji dressed A-Yuan in robes borrowed from the Lan Clan, their soft blue and white fabrics slightly oversized on the child's tiny frame. He then dressed himself, taking A-Yuan's hand as they stepped into the serene paths of the Cloud Recesses. A-Yuan clutched his rabbit plushie tightly, his other hand secure in Wangji's.

Wangji had debated leaving A-Yuan in the Jingshi while he attended to his responsibilities, including the looming possibility of returning to Yiling or seeking counsel about Wei Ying's mission. But the quiet fear in A-Yuan's eyes—fear of being left alone—struck a chord in Wangji's heart. He could not bear to be another shadow in the boy's life.

As they walked, Wangji's resolve grew stronger. He would shield this child, protect the fragile trust placed in him, and find a way to balance the demands of his world. For now, each step with A-Yuan by his side reaffirmed his purpose. Whatever uncertainties lay ahead, he would face them with unwavering devotion.

As Lan Wangji and A-Yuan approached the city, they were met with an unsettling commotion. The streets buzzed with frenzied whispers, all converging toward the palace. Lan Wangji, ever detached from idle chatter, pressed forward. Yet, a single word froze him mid-step: Wei Ying.

"I never thought the Yiling Patriarch would disappear like that! Good riddance—he won't cause any more trouble," murmured a voice behind him, its casual cruelty piercing the air like a knife stab.

A tremor of unease coursed through Wangji. Vanish? The word clung to his mind like a dark omen. His usual stoicism wavered, but a small, tentative voice tugged him back.