ChiLumi - Crimson Tides of love

27

Xiao awoke, his head pounding. His vision swam as it cleared, revealing a familiar scene. He was surrounded by the Adepti, their faces etched with concern.

"Xiao," Ganyu said, her voice filled with worry. "You're awake."

Xiao groaned, trying to sit up. His body ached, every movement a painful ordeal. He remembered the battle with Arlecchino, the searing pain of the dagger wound.

"How long have I been out?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

"Days," Zhongli replied, his tone grave. "The injuries you sustained were severe."

Xiao nodded, his eyes filled with a mix of relief and pain. He was alive, but he was weak. He needed to recover, to regain his strength.

The Adepti murmured among themselves, their voices a low hum that filled the room. Xiao listened intently, trying to make out what they were saying.

"The Fatui are a dangerous threat," he heard Ganyu say. "They must be stopped."

"But the artifact is in their hands," Xiangling added. "How can we retrieve it?"

"We must devise a plan," Zhongli said. "A plan that will not only retrieve the artifact but also eliminate the threat of the Fatui."

Xiao listened to their conversation, his heart heavy with worry. He knew that the artifact was a dangerous weapon, capable of great evil. He also knew that the Fatui were a formidable enemy, a force that could not be underestimated.

But he was determined to help. He had seen firsthand the devastation that the Fatui could cause. He would not stand idly by while they continued their reign of terror.

With renewed determination, Xiao sat up, his body aching. He was weak, but he was alive. And he was ready to fight.

Ganyu gently placed a bowl of Liyue soup in front of Xiao, her eyes filled with concern. The broth was rich and fragrant, the vegetables and tofu fresh and tender.

"You need to eat," she said, her voice filled with concern. "It will help you heal."

Xiao nodded, his stomach growling. He took a spoonful of the soup, the warmth spreading through his body. It was delicious, the perfect comfort food.

As he ate, Xiao thought about Lumine. He missed her more than he could say. He wondered how she was doing, if she had managed to escape the Abyss Herald's clutches.

He remembered the last time he had seen her, the look of determination in her eyes as she faced the Abyss Herald. He knew that she was strong, that she was capable of anything. But he also knew that the Abyss Herald was a powerful enemy, a force that could not be underestimated.

Xiao felt a pang of guilt. He had failed to protect Lumine, had allowed her to fall into the Abyss Herald's clutches. He had been weak, helpless.

But he would make it up to her, he vowed. He would find her, he would rescue her, and he would make things right.

As he finished the soup, Xiao felt a surge of strength. He was still weak, but he was healing. He would recover, and he would be ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

He would find Lumine, he vowed. He would rescue her from the Abyss Herald's clutches, and they would be reunited. And together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, their love a beacon of hope in the darkness.

As Xiao closed his eyes, the warmth of the soft bed enveloped him. The gentle hum of the chamber filled his ears, a soothing melody that lulled him into a peaceful slumber.

He dreamed of Lumine, her face filled with love and concern. He saw her standing before him, her eyes sparkling with hope. She reached out to him, her hand outstretched.