The Mad Ҡìղց

Unbearable heartbreak

Cheng adjusted quickly to life within the Gusu Lan Clan, his clan members finding their place amid the serene mountains and tranquil courtyards. Though Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen weren't as overtly expressive in their affections as Lan Wangji and Wei Ying, their quiet understanding and companionship spoke volumes. Time flowed like the gentle streams of Gusu, days blending into weeks.

Lan Wangji grew increasingly protective of Wei Ying, his hand always lingering on Wei Ying's wrist as though afraid he might vanish. Wei Ying, ever the optimist, teased Wangji for his clinginess, but there was a lingering shadow in his eyes that betrayed his fears.

Ayana, still grappling with the mysterious power tied to her, spent her days in quiet research. The visions came unbidden, fragments of knowledge and warnings she couldn't yet piece together. She wondered if the curse would unravel itself in time or if her efforts were futile.

That evening, the tranquil hum of the Gusu kitchens was disrupted by a scream. Wei Ying doubled over, clutching his chest as if torn from within. "Wangji!" he gasped, his voice strangled.

Lan Wangji caught him just as his knees buckled. "Wei Ying!" His voice, usually steady, cracked with panic. Wei Ying writhed, pain contorting his features, then fell still.

"Call Ayana," Wangji commanded a cook, his voice barely above a whisper but laced with urgency. He carried Wei Ying to their chambers, his heart thundering.

Ayana and Lan Xichen arrived moments later. "What happened?" Ayana demanded, kneeling beside the unconscious Wei Ying.

"He said it felt like his soul was being ripped apart," Lan Wangji murmured, his face pale.

"It's the curse," Lan Xichen said grimly.

"Not until we're certain," Wangji replied, though fear gripped his heart. He held Wei Ying tightly, dreading the possibility of losing him forever.

Wanji sat by Wei Ying's side for hours, his chest tight with dread. When Wei Ying finally stirred, his eyes fluttered open, meeting Wanji's gaze. A heavy sigh escaped his lips.

Wanji rushed to hug him, his heart racing. "You're awake," he murmured, relief flooding through him.

Wei Ying nodded, his voice distant. "Yes, I am."

"I was so worried," Wanji confessed, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. But Wei Ying pulled away, retreating to the bed. Silence hung heavy.

"What do you think you're doing?" Wei Ying asked, his voice irritated. Breaking the silence.

"I'm trying to kiss you," Wanji replied, confusion clear in his eyes.

"And why would you kiss me?" Wei Ying asked, his voice devoid of any emotion.

"Because we are married," Wanji replied, his words trembling with an unease that betrayed his calm exterior.

The curse had taken root in Wei Ying's heart, Wanji thought but he tried to mask the growing fear within.

Wei Ying sat up, looking at Wanji with confusion. "I don't remember us getting married," he whispered, voice soft.

Wanji froze his face a mixture of concern and disbelief. "Do you remember what happened at the Jiang clan?" he asked urgently, trying to piece together the fractured memory.

"Yes, but I don't remember us getting..." Wei Ying trailed off, uncertainty clouding his gaze.

"We got married when we came here, father said it was the right thing to do," Wanji replied, his voice barely a whisper.