The Fatui had a goal: break the Traveler.

They needed leverage—someone he wouldn’t risk. Someone he wouldn’t let die. And while their gaze had always been on Aether, they noticed his patterns. He trusted you. You were always near. Always talking. Always listening.

They didn’t realize you weren’t his weakness.

You were Xiao’s.

By the time Aether and Paimon found you—barely conscious, poisoned and bound—it was already too late for explanations. They carried you through the city with panic tight in their throats, bolting toward Bubu Pharmacy.

Baizhu didn’t flinch when he saw your state.

—“Lay them down—now!” he barked. “Poison. But I can handle it.”

That’s when Xiao appeared.

The wind cracked like a whip as he materialized beside the door, golden eyes immediately locking on your fragile form. He froze—but only for a second.

Then he turned to Aether.

—“You let them go alone?” His voice wasn’t loud, but it cut like a blade. “You knew they were being watched. And still, you let them walk into this.”

Aether tried to speak, but Xiao stepped closer, fists trembling.

—“They trusted you. I trusted you.”

—“Xiao—” Paimon started, voice small, “he didn’t know—”

—“I should have,” Xiao snapped, jaw clenched. His hands hovered above yours before he dared to touch you. Just a graze of his fingers.

Baizhu looked up from his work.

—“They’ll live,” he said firmly. “The poison’s strong, but their body’s responding. They need rest, not rage.”

Still, Xiao didn’t look away from you. His voice dropped, ragged.

—“I should’ve never left your side.”

And as your breathing steadied—slightly, but enough—he bowed his head, guilt heavy in every breath he took.