Changing Fates: The Second Chance [under editing]

Chapter 8: Shadows of the Past

Shadows of the Past :

As dawn broke over Cloud Recesses, Wei Wuxian found himself unable to shake the weight of uncertainty that clung to him like a shadow. After the mission, Jiang Yanli had decided to remain at Cloud Recesses, a choice that both relieved and troubled him. On one hand, she would be safe, surrounded by the protections of the Lan clan; on the other, her absence in the field felt like a missing piece, a crucial element that made the group whole.

Over breakfast, Wei Wuxian sat with Jiang Cheng and Nie Huaisang in the dining hall. The air was thick with the smell of rice and freshly brewed tea, and the sounds of laughter and conversation filled the room. Yet, despite the lively atmosphere, Wei Wuxian struggled to focus, his mind drifting back to the battle in the forest.

"Are you going to eat that?" Jiang Cheng gestured toward Wei Wuxian's untouched plate.

"Huh? Oh, right." Wei Wuxian blinked, forcing himself to pick up his chopsticks. "Just a bit distracted, that's all."

"Distracted by what? Your heroic deeds yesterday?" Nie Huaisang teased, a grin plastered across his face. "I'm surprised you didn't challenge the demon to a duel first!"

"Ha ha, very funny," Wei Wuxian replied, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress a smile. "It wasn't like that at all."

Jiang Cheng leaned in closer, his expression serious. "Wei wuxian, you've been acting different lately. You're more reckless than usual."

Wei Wuxian set his chopsticks down, meeting his brother's gaze. "I just wanted to protect you both. I won't let anything happen to you or shijie."

"You don't have to bear that weight alone," Jiang Cheng said, his voice low and earnest. "We're family. We face these things together."

"Yeah, I know," Wei Wuxian replied, though the heaviness in his chest didn't lift. He wished he could explain to Jiang Cheng the turmoil that simmered beneath the surface, the nightmares that clawed at him in the dark. But he couldn't bear to let his brother see that weakness, not when they had already lost so much.

As the meal continued, they were joined by the Lan brothers-Lan Wangji and Lan Xichen. The future clan leader's presence brought a sense of calm, a stillness that contrasted sharply with Wei Wuxian's inner turmoil.

"Morning," Lan Xichen greeted, his voice smooth and warm. He looked around the table, taking in the three of them. "I heard about the mission. You all did well."

"Thanks," Jiang Cheng replied, though he sounded less enthusiastic than before. "But we almost didn't make it back in one piece."

Lan Wangji remained silent as usual, his expression neutral, but Wei Wuxian could feel the weight of his gaze, an intense scrutiny that sent a shiver down his spine. It was as if Lan Wangji was trying to unravel the secrets buried within him, and for the first time, Wei Wuxian felt exposed.

"Are you feeling alright, Wei Wuxian?" Lan Xichen asked, concern evident in his tone.

"I'm fine," Wei Wuxian replied too quickly, forcing a smile. "Just a little tired, I guess."

Lan Wangji's eyes narrowed slightly, and he leaned forward slightly, as if searching for the truth beneath Wei Wuxian's facade. "Mhm."

The tension in the air thickened, and Wei Wuxian quickly diverted the conversation. "What's the plan for today? More training?"

"Yes," Lan Xichen said, his voice steady. "We need to ensure everyone is prepared for any further threats."

The conversation shifted as they discussed strategies and training routines, but Wei Wuxian's mind drifted again. He thought of Jiang Yanli, who remained in Cloud Recesses to help manage affairs and provide support for their clan. It was a role she embraced, yet it felt wrong to leave her behind while they faced danger.

Later that afternoon, as Wei Wuxian wandered the serene gardens of Cloud Recesses, he found a moment of peace amidst the chaos of his thoughts. The gentle rustle of leaves and the fragrance of blooming flowers enveloped him, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to relax.

But the tranquility was fleeting. The shadows of his past loomed heavily in his mind, memories of bloodshed and betrayal replaying like a broken record. He had come back to change their fate, yet the weight of what he had done-and what he still might do-remained a constant burden.

He leaned against a tree, closing his eyes as he tried to push the darkness away. Just then, Lan Wangji appeared, his footsteps quiet on the cobblestones. Wei Wuxian opened his eyes, startled.

"Why are you here?" Wei Wuxian asked, surprised to see him alone.

Lan Wangji regarded him with those intense eyes, studying him as if searching for something hidden. "You're avoiding me."

"What? No, I'm just-" Wei Wuxian started, but the truth caught in his throat. He was avoiding Lan Wangji because the more he interacted with him, the more he felt that overwhelming connection, the pull that both terrified and intrigued him.

Lan Wangji stepped closer, a faint concern evident in his voice. "You're not fine."

"Really, I am. Just... thinking." Wei Wuxian attempted to smile, but it felt brittle, as if it might shatter at any moment.

"I can help," Lan Wangji offered, the sincerity in his tone making Wei Wuxian's heart skip a beat.

"I appreciate it, but I don't want to burden you," Wei Wuxian replied, instinctively retreating into his shell.

Lan Wangji's gaze softened, and for a moment, the air between them shifted. "You're not a burden. You're my friend."

The word sent warmth flooding through Wei Wuxian, but he quickly buried it beneath layers of doubt. "Friend," he repeated, testing the word on his tongue. "That's... nice of you to say."

"You don't believe me?" Lan Wangji asked, tilting his head slightly, his curiosity evident.

"It's just... I've been through a lot. I'm not sure I'm the friend you think I am," Wei Wuxian admitted, the weight of his past pressing down on him.

Lan Wangji stepped even closer, his intensity nearly overwhelming. "You can share it with me. You don't have to face it alone."

In that moment, Wei Wuxian felt the familiar pull of despair threatening to consume him. The image of blood on his wrists flashed in his mind, the haunting memories of loneliness and darkness closing in. "I don't want to burden you with my problems. I don't want anyone to worry about me."

"Worry is part of being friends," Lan Wangji replied, his voice gentle but firm. "Let us share the burden."

For a heartbeat, Wei Wuxian felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could trust Lan Wangji. But before he could respond, Jiang Cheng's voice called out, interrupting the moment.

"A-Xian! We need you for training!" he shouted from a distance.

Wei Wuxian glanced toward his brother, the moment slipping away like sand through his fingers. "I... I have to go," he said quickly, stepping back from Lan Wangji.

"Tomorrow," Lan Wangji said, his tone resolute. "We'll talk tomorrow."

As Wei Wuxian turned away, the hope that had flickered in his chest dimmed again. He wanted to believe that he could open up, that he could share his burdens, but the shadows of his past loomed too large. He had to protect them, no matter the cost.

And as they walked back to the training grounds, he could feel Lan Wangji's eyes on him, a reminder that he was not alone, even as he struggled to believe it.

The day faded into twilight, and as Wei Wuxian lay in bed that night, the weight of his decisions pressed down on him. He had to change their fate, but the path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty.

He closed his eyes, willing himself to find the strength to face another day, to fight against the darkness that threatened to consume him.

-:-