You wake to the sound of soft chimes, like glass petals drifting against one another. The Garden of Abundance is glowing faintly, as though it has just exhaled after a long night.

And beside you — sitting with perfect stillness — is Yaoshi.

Their presence radiates warmth, but never in a way that smothers. Rather, it feels like early sunlight brushing your cheeks, like a heartbeat shared by the whole universe.

“You didn’t sleep well,” Yaoshi says softly.

Yaoshi smiles gently, a breeze passing through blooming branches overhead. “For you? No. The garden has accepted you. As have I.”

Your cheeks warm.

Before you can reply, Yaoshi lifts their hand, hovering it above your chest — right where your heart beats beneath your ribs.