Lotus Serenade || Mo Dao Zu Shi x Reader

| 十一 |

──❝Whispers of Charm: Dancing on the Edge of Choice❞──

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The night sky held the moon in its embrace, a weighty presence that draped Caiyi Town in an otherworldly luminescence. The silver beams of the moon danced upon the gray rooftops, their shimmering reflections painting the river's surface with a celestial radiance. The town itself appeared ensconced in an enchanting aura, as if the passage of time had momentarily halted beneath the moon's mesmerizing charm. At this late hour, the vibrant stalls and bustling streets lay abandoned, their vivacious spirit replaced by a tranquil serenity that enveloped the nocturnal scene. A crisp breeze drifted through the inn's quarters, dancing with the curtains, setting them into a gentle sway and causing the flame atop the candles to flicker. Their luminance cast delicate, otherworldly shadows that painted the walls with an ethereal glow. As time passed, the candles' wax melted, tracing a sinuous path along the tabletop, creating a meandering trail of cooled droplets in its wake.

Wei Wuxian reclined in a languid position at the window of his room within the inn, a playful smirk adorning his features as he lounged against the sill. His nightgowns draped casually, teasingly revealing a glimpse of his collarbone as they cascaded from his shoulder. In his grasp rested a vessel of Emperor Smile, a rare libation exclusive to the confines of Gusu. With deliberate leisure, he tipped the container to his lips, savoring a lingering sip of the precious liquor. Its flavor, a tapestry of fragrant and mellifluous notes, enveloped his senses. It tantalizes his taste buds with an uncommonly exquisite delight. To Wei Wuxian, this elixir was more than a mere drink—it was a coveted indulgence, a treasure to relish as if it held the essence of life itself. Despite the prohibition of Emperor Smile within the austere realm of Cloud Recesses, where Wei Wuxian was soon to take residence, he harbored no intention of abiding by such strictures. Determination ignited within him as he silently vowed to defy the ban, plotting clandestine means to smuggle this forbidden nectar into the revered domain, even if it meant skirting curfew and defying regulations. As the fiery tang trailed across his tongue, tracing a path down his throat and kindling a warmth within his chest, Wei Wuxian reveled in the thrill of his impending transgression.

Lowering the liquor jar from his lips to rest in his lap, he moistened his lips, relishing the lingering essence. The taste lingered on his palate, a tantalizing reminder that if fate willed his departure from Gusu, he'd eagerly seek a chance to savor it once more, should the opportunity ever arise. His gaze drifted skyward, admiring the velvet canvas of the night, but the rhythmic cadence of footsteps from the street below abruptly seized his attention. Bowing his head slightly, his gaze followed the origin of the melodic sound, tracing it to a figure draped in tranquil cerulean threading through the cobbled path. Wei Wuxian, enveloped in an aura of intrigue, stood rooted in fascination, observing the figure's every graceful movement. The woman, swathed in serene sage green, seized his attention, widening his eyes in sheer captivation. Pausing in her stroll, she lifted her gaze from beneath the shelter of a bamboo hat, revealing enigmatic orbs that held a universe of mysteries within their almond-shaped depths. "It's her," Wei Wuxian proclaimed inwardly, springing up from his seated position in a sudden rush of realization. Despite encountering and charming numerous women, an indescribable allure set her apart. His thoughts raced in an almost incoherent murmur, acknowledging his incredible luck at finding her alone, the absence of bustling crowds presenting an unobstructed path to approach her.