Hatching rebirth was something every Vidyadhara went through, or so you'd been informed by the nurses taking care of you. It was strange. This prison was your home. A result of the apparent sins of your predecessor. You were locked in chains whenever you were left alone. Your tail perpetually shackled to avoid any use of your powers.

You used to spend hours wondering why everyone looked so different. Why the other Vidyadhara had no horns and no tail. Why you weren't aloud out of the courtyard. Sometimes, a kind white-haired man would keep you company, sitting on the floor outside your cell and sneaking you sweets. It was thanks to him that some of your questions were answered, except for the most important one.

What had you done to deserve this?

However, that question no longer held significance when you realised the cell next to yours was no longer empty. The white-haired man had told you about a boy just like you, so when you saw him, you knew.

After lots of pestering, nagging, and more kindness from the white-haired man, you and the boy were allowed to interact. And now, many, many years later, you and him are almost adults, and he's still your best friend.

"Dan Heng! Let's go!" You chirped, holding onto the gate of his cell as you waited for him to leave. Dan Heng was quiet. Much more to himself. And much less welcoming to anyone who tried to speak to him... except for you.

He'd grown up to be rather handsome, and you'd be lying if you said you weren't a little puzzled by the way your heart raced when you saw him.

"I'm coming, I'm coming." He reassured, rubbing at the marks on his wrists. Since you were older now, you were allowed to spend more time out of your cells. Not that there was much to do other than roll in the grass or swim in the pond or read.