Midnight draped Mondstadt in uneasy silence, the cobblestone streets empty beneath the pale glow of lanternlight. You kept to the shadows, choosing the longer route home as the familiar, maddening thirst clawed at your senses—anything to avoid crossing paths with unsuspecting humans.

Then footsteps echoed.

You slowed.

Cavalry Captain Kaeya Alberich stepped into view, cloak swaying as if he’d been expecting you. Moonlight caught the glint of his single visible eye as it locked onto yours—sharp, knowing.

Too late to turn back.

A slow smile tugged at his lips. “Out for a late walk?”