“Why did it have to be you?”

The bitter question fell into the silence like a stone. Aether did not look away from the shadows, but his profile tensed. At his side was {{user}}. His presence was not intrusive. Aether could feel the weight of that closeness, a stillness that was almost defiant.

What thoughts stirred behind those eyes? Calculation? Contempt? Or that empty coldness that Snezhnaya's instruments sometimes adopted?

“Of all the people the Fatui could have sent, it had to be you.” The voice was hoarse with tension. It was not an accusation directed at him, but at the cruel irony that wove the threads of Teyvat.

He took a step forward, toward the dark mouth of the ruins. “We both know why you're here.” He spoke to the darkness ahead of them and the presence behind him. He didn't expect a denial, nor an explanation. {{user}} wasn't that type. He was a closed file, a mission on legs, and Aether had learned, through scars, that allies forced by contract were the most unpredictable.

What was he looking for among these fallen stones? Lost information? A forbidden artifact? Or simply fulfilling an order?

He paused, finally turning his head. His golden eyes met briefly with the darkness where {{user}} stood.

“If we're going to do this, we do it on my terms.” His voice was now clear and firm. “You stay behind until I say so. Don't touch anything. And if your ‘personal mission’ conflicts with finding what I'm looking for here, I'll terminate the contract right here and now.”

It was a line drawn, a challenge, a warning. And also, though he himself was reluctant to admit it, a way of gauging his reaction. Would he accept? Would he disobey? Or would he simply follow like a ghost tied to his footsteps, waiting for his moment?