The Mad Ҡìղց

Lycan

Wanji hadn't always been like this. He carried himself with an air of nobility, as was expected of him. But now, ever since that fateful night, his life seemed to be shrouded in an impenetrable darkness. It had been a week since he locked himself in his room, refusing to see anyone or eat. His mind was at war with his heart.

His sister, Ayana, couldn't bear to see him like this any longer. She loved her brother fiercely and had always looked up to him. Watching him unravel before her eyes was a pain she couldn't carry any longer. She stormed into his room one last time, hoping to shake him out of his despair.

"Wanji, you can't stay inside forever," she pleaded, her voice laced with concern.

From beneath the quilt, she heard him mumble, "Leave me alone, Ayana. Please."

Ayana's eyes flared with frustration, her hands balled into fists. "It's been a week!" she hissed. "A week of this! You have to snap out of it!"

"I don't care," Wanji replied, his voice hoarse and broken. "Just leave."

Tears stung Ayana's eyes as she watched her once-strong brother retreat further into himself. She knew what had broken him, and it infuriated her that nothing she did could pull him back from the abyss. She needed help—real help. And only one person could give it to her.

Without another word, Ayana dashed out of his room and stormed to the kitchen. "Where's Wei Ying?" she demanded from one of the household slaves, her tone urgent.

The young girl bowed respectfully before answering, "My lady, he took the day off."

Ayana narrowed her eyes. "Get him for me. Lady Yan Li sent me to him."

The slave looked startled but didn't question Ayana's words. She hurried out, her footsteps echoing.

Ayana knew that invoking Lady Yan Li's name would ensure Wei Ying's return from his off day. He couldn't ignore a summons from her. And Ayana had no time to lose.

Minutes later, the slave returned with Wei Ying in tow. His head was bowed low as he approached Ayana, his voice devoid of any emotion. "My lady," he greeted, though the distance in his tone was unmistakable.

"My brother," Ayana started, her voice trembling as she struggled to keep her composure, "he's under the weather. He refuses to eat, to sleep, to leave his room. I need your help."

Wei Ying's expression didn't change, though a flicker of something crossed his eyes. "I am sorry to hear that, my lady. But surely the family physician would be better suited to attend to him."

Ayana stepped closer, her voice soft but insistent. "What my brother needs is not a physician, Wei Ying. He needs you."

Wei Ying blinked, his surprise barely concealed. He had expected many things, but not this. "I don't understand," he said carefully, keeping his emotions in check.

Ayana's patience was wearing thin, and she could feel her control slipping. "Wanji is sick because of you, Wei Ying! Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about."

Wei Ying's face darkened. "I don't know Master Wanji, my lady. You must be mistaken." His voice was measured, but there was a clear tension simmering beneath the surface.

Ayana leaned in close, her breath hot against his ear. Oh, I see," Ayana said. "If you don't come with me right now to see Lan Wangji, I will go and tell Madam Yu you're a Lycan." She stepped back, watching him closely.

Wei Ying bit his teeth, his face flushed with anger. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his body shaking slightly as he fought to keep control. This family was pushing him, eager to see him get killed at all costs. His mind raced, calculating the potential consequences of her threat. He hissed under his breath, forcing himself to stay calm, not allowing his temper to flare.