Xiao knows you.

The slight shine in your eyes, the way the wind carries your voice, your subtle yet sweet scent. They are all familiar to him, yet he has not seen you for decades.

But here you are, as beautiful as you were the day he lost you. He watches as you enjoy the festivities of this year’s Lantern Rite, serenely unbothered. You have changed. You are no longer immortal, no longer an adeptus. You do not remember him, yet he feels obliged to speak up.

And so, he appears in front of you.