Moonlit Hearts

Chapter 20: Haunted by Memories

Wangji materialized by the water fountain, his descent marked by the graceful flutter of butterflies that gently settled back into his sleeves. To the casual observer, these delicate creatures appeared as mere tattoos adorning his arms, a clever guise allowing him to seamlessly blend in with humans. "Rest well," he murmured softly, caressing their fragile forms before they disappeared from view.

Surveying his surroundings, Wangji found no sign of Wei Ying's presence. While a part of him had hoped to encounter the elusive man once more, the absence was not unexpected. Anticipating Wei Ying's tendency to evade him, Wangji sighed wearily and settled beside the fountain, trailing his hand through the cool, rippling water, as a distant memory stirred within him.

The gentle caress of the water against his skin transported him back to a cherished memory. It was a time when he and Wei Ying had toiled together, weaving dreams into reality within the confines of their shared realm. The fountain, a testament to their collaboration, had been their first creation—a symbol of serenity amidst the chaos of their duties.

On that particular Sunday, exhaustion weighed heavily on Wangji as he returned to his abode, the Jingshi. Yet, upon entering, he was met with a sight that instantly lifted his spirits. There, sprawled across his bed amidst a sea of books and papers, was Wei Ying, utterly engrossed in his studies.

"Wangji?" Lan Zhan's voice was soft as he approached, his heart warmed by the sight of his beloved.

"Lan Zhan!" Wei Ying's face lit up with a radiant smile as he bounded over to embrace Wangji, his enthusiasm contagious. Without missing a beat, he launched into a spirited tirade.

"Listen, how is it that you, the God of the Moon and the Sandman himself, haven't created your own sanctuary? You offer peace and slumber to countless souls, but what about your own tranquility?" Wei Ying's words spilled forth in a torrent, fueled by his unwavering passion.

"It's called the Dream Realm of the Dream Maker, but that's so dull! You deserve something grander, Lan Zhan. Something that befits your beauty," Wei Ying continued, his eyes sparkling with determination. "With the right spiritual energy, the proper talisman, and your divine power, you could create a realm that bends to your will—a realm where only you and those you cherish may tread."

Wangji listened intently to Wei Ying's words, his heart swelling with affection for the spirited man before him.

Initially hesitant, Lan Zhan voiced his uncertainty. "Wei Ying, I'm not sure," wary of potential consequences. Yet, as always, Wei Ying's persuasive charm won him over. They dedicated weeks to meticulous study, ensuring their creation would be innocuous and undetectable. If it was to serve as Wangji's sanctuary, it must remain concealed from prying eyes, accessible only to those sanctioned by Wangji himself.

Their first idea was to utilize the forehead ribbon as a passage talisman, but Wangji reasoned it already granted access to various areas within the Cloud Recesses.

"What about your butterflies then?" Wei Ying proposed one day during their studies. "You're the only one who has them, and it's a shame they're always tucked away under your sleeves. They could serve as a means of ingress and egress, seamlessly integrating with your being."

Initially perplexed by Wei Ying's suggestion, Lan Zhan found himself swiftly swayed when Wei Ying mentioned the allure of an arm tattoo followed by a passionate kiss that left him breathless. With his heart racing and his mind clouded by affection, Lan Zhan relented, unable to deny Wei Ying anything—especially when it came with such pleasurable rewards.

A few days later, they performed the incantation, and the butterflies who were a permanent part of Lan Zhan's left arm, from his forearm to his shoulder—a stunning testament to their joint endeavor served as a key. They tested the talisman's effectiveness, moving effortlessly between rooms with grace, showcasing Wei Ying's inventive spirit.