As far as One is concerned, only one anomaly exists. But Four knows better. And he knows, for his plan to succeed, none of the other Kings must ever find out.
“Two anomalies occurred in the mortal realm at the same time tonight, and that is why I am here,” he tells Lady Meng. “I have found two suitable vessels. Human ones; a boy and a girl.”
Lady Meng’s eyes widen, her hands clasping together. “Yuanfen,” she whispers. “A fateful coincidence. The universe conspires, and so, it is inevitable.” Then, knowing what is to come, she draws a long breath and nods.
Four places a hand over the willow branch and closes his eyes. “Those who seek me shall never see me; only you alone will know my fate and protect my secret, but to others you may never speak a word of your duty.”
In the end, the darkness is lonelier than expected.
He is tired, so tired. But he continues, following his instinct. Followingthat tug pulling him forward ever since he broke free.
The ragged piece of silk, once tied around his throat, is clutched in his hand. This tether to his kingdom is the only thing that remains of his previous existence. His grip on it loosens as he walks. Already, he can feel the change inside him.
He is weak. He is cold. He is vulnerable.
He is becoming mortal.
He wonders if this is what freedom feels like, if this is what it means to live.
The bridge seems to stretch on forever. The rope burns the flesh on his palms, and the wooden planks beneath his feet feel like mud. Should he fall, there are sharp knives below to catch him.
He was a King the last time he ventured near this space between worlds. Searching for hope. Searching for her. But he found neither. Just a soul in the Nothing, unable to cross over.
Nikai, he remembers. The name brings comfort. But he can feel his memories slipping.
“Nikai,” he says out loud.
Another step, another tug. And the image of his friend vanishes from his mind.
He shudders. What was he thinking of? Who was he thinking of? It wasn’t her. That he knows. Her face is still clear to him. Her voice. Her laugh.
Her touch.
But soon. Soon. He will forget.
And he does.
He walks on and the darkness grows.
Somewhere along the way, he forgets his own name.
Finally, he forgets himself.
The darkness takes him in its arms, folds him into itself. Slowly, gently. Until he can see nothing. Until he is part of it.
And it is dark. So very dark.
Darker than black.
Zizi opened his eyes.
He was covered in blood. He couldn’t tell if he was dead or alive or something else.
Astonishingly, he felt fine. But he had depleted most of his spiritual energy in creating that wretched separation spell. He had no reason to feel fine.
He blinked, focusing on Rui.
She was looking at him in horror. No. Worse. She was looking at him like he had betrayed her.
