Lotus Serenade || Mo Dao Zu Shi x Reader

| 二十四 |

──❝Echoes of Suffering: Shadows in the Heartache❞──

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The stillness of the night was disrupted by the cries of a lone wolf, its mournful howls echoing through the dense forest. The gentle rain falling outside cast a somber spell; the sound of raindrops tapping against the gray roofs created a melancholic rhythm that seemed to heighten the already melancholic atmosphere. Following the incident at Biling Lake, Wei Wuxian returned to the Cloud Recesses with an extensive array of trinkets and various items, which he promptly distributed among the junior disciples. With Lan Qiren's temporary absence from Cloud Recesses to Qinghe, the regular classes had been suspended, creating an air of laxity among the youth. However, before Lan Qiren's return, a few unruly disciples engaged in misconduct, while a select few, including Lan Wangji, Jiang Cheng, and others, remained steadfastly composed and absent from the ensuing trouble. Under the cloak of night, Wei Wuxian secretly slipped out of the Cloud Recesses in pursuit of more 'emperor's smile', his craving for the substance escalating in a matter of days. Whether deeming it a midnight yearning or an urgent need for a mood-lifter, Wei Wuxian couldn't resist succumbing to the temptation.       

The potential consequences loomed ominously in Wei Wuxian's mind, acutely aware that departing the Cloud Recesses without consent could yield severe repercussions. Yet, the magnetic pull of 'emperor's smile' proved irresistibly potent, compelling him to brave the risk and traverse the nocturnal shadows. Despite the multitude of clan regulations he had flouted, his disregard was palpable. Branded as a troublemaker, Wei Wuxian remained resolute, prepared to confront any retribution in exchange for the intoxicating euphoria that 'emperor's smile' pledged to deliver. He harbored a fervent hope that upon his return, he would evade an encounter with Lan Wangji; the mere thought of crossing paths with him sent a shiver down his spine, envisioning a bleak future devoid of any respite.

In the chambers allocated for females within the Cloud Recesses, [Y/n] abruptly stirred from her slumber, her senses jolting awake with an inexplicable disquietude lingering in the air. She groaned softly, rubbing the remnants of sleep from her eyes, her limbs weighed down by a profound sense of lethargy. As she propped herself up, a stifling heaviness pervaded the room, inducing a shiver to cascade down her spine, despite the refreshing coolness brought in by the rain. "Why am I awake?" she mused, her thoughts obscured by a fog of bewilderment. The once tranquil ambiance of the female quarters now appeared ominous, with shadows seeming to loom in every crevice, poised to spring forth. Gooseflesh prickled along her skin as she surveyed the room, seeking any clue as to what had disturbed her slumber. A subtle scent of damp earth intertwined with the fragrance of incense, weaving a haunting aroma that sent chills racing through her veins. With a resigned sigh, she peeled back her blanket and rose to her feet. "Should I investigate?" she deliberated, her insatiable curiosity overpowering any trepidation that lingered within. As she rifled through her cupboards, she donned an outer robe over her sleep attire, endeavoring to present a more polished appearance, even though the prospect of encountering anyone was exceedingly slim. Despite the unspoken rule against wandering at night, she felt an inexplicable compulsion to venture out into the rain-soaked darkness.