"Aether's in Liyue now," Alice said with a nod.
"Really?"
Lumine sprang up from Koji's embrace, her face filled with excitement. After so long, she finally had news of her brother.
"Your brother, Aether, Prince of the Abyss Order, is currently here in Liyue," Alice continued.
"The Prince of the Abyss Order?"
Lumine frowned. She'd known her brother had some connection to the Abyss, but not that it was this deep.
"Don't tell anyone about this," Alice warned solemnly. "If word gets out, someone might come after you."
She wasn't worried for Lumine's safety. What she feared was someone provoking Koji. If that happened, he might blow Teyvat off the map. After all, Lumine was his woman — and Alice had seen too many men destroy the world for less.
"I understand," Lumine said seriously.
Even her friends would surely react differently if they knew her brother was the Abyss Prince. Compared to the Fatui, the Abyss Order was even more feared — and hated.
"You witches really have an impressive network," Koji remarked. "To track down information like that is no small feat."
"We only get general details. The Abyss is… special," Alice replied with a light laugh.
Liyue Ruins — Corrupted Statue of the Inverted God.
"You are not welcome here, witch."
A blue Abyss Herald appeared before her, his tone heavy with caution and dread. The last time Alice had snuck into the Abyss, she'd almost blown it up entirely.
"Is that so? Well, I came anyway," Alice said coolly.
There were plenty of places that didn't welcome her — but Koji and the others were here.
"Stand down. You're not her opponent."
Aether stepped out from the opened Abyss Gate.
Unlike Lumine, the diamond-shaped marks on his body glowed with no element of the Seven. He carried not the dull-edged traveler's sword but a gleaming white-and-gold blade. His hair and outfit still mirrored Lumine's style, however.
"Lumine, is that your brother?" Paimon asked curiously.
"Yes. Aether… we finally meet again," Lumine said, her voice mixed with emotion.
"I didn't expect we'd meet under these circumstances," Aether said softly.
Koji grinned. "Yo, big brother-in-law. Nice to finally meet you."
Aether: "…"
That caught him off guard. But seeing Lumine blush and not deny it made things clear — she was indeed with this man.
"Aether, what are you doing? Why didn't you come see me?" Lumine asked.
"I have many tasks to complete," Aether replied calmly. "Until peace is restored in the Abyss, my war with Celestia isn't over."
"The Abyss Prince, huh? So this is for Khaenri'ah?" Alice asked with interest.
"This has nothing to do with you, Witch Alice," Aether said darkly. The last time they met, she had nearly blown him to pieces.
"So that means you can't come back with me?" Lumine's smile turned dangerous.
Knowing that expression all too well, Aether instinctively backed away.
"Dear," Lumine said sweetly, "break his legs for me. We'll roll him back home in a wheelchair."
Aether froze, sweat dripping down his temple, eyes darting to the stick in Koji's hand.
Brother-in-law, please don't encourage her like this…
"Open the gate!"
Nothing.
The Abyss portal didn't respond.
"Kids… I crashed!"
Aether's expression fell flat.
"Can't we talk this out peacefully?" he said with a forced smile.
The Abyss Herald sighed silently. Is this really our cold, ruthless prince? Maybe it's time we start following the princess instead…
"At this moment, Aether, you must be joking," Lumine said.
"Fine, don't break his legs — just seal his powers," she decided, still smiling.
"Got it."
Koji dropped the stick and walked up to Aether, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
Blessing of Sealing activated — Aether's energy was locked away.
He now stood only slightly stronger than an average person.
"Sorry, big brother-in-law," Koji said with a grin. "Lumine really does care about you."
Aether's mouth twitched. I knew this would end badly…
"You should head back. I'll return later."
Seeing his helpless state, the Abyss Herald looked to him for orders.
"Go," Aether sighed. "There's no escaping her right now."
"Understood, Prince," the Herald said stiffly.
"Brother, now we can finally talk. Tell me, what are you really doing?" Lumine crossed her arms.
Thank goodness I already have a husband, she thought. Otherwise, I'd never catch him.
Aether smiled indulgently. "Alright. You've earned the right to know a few things. Finding someone as strong as your boyfriend… even Celestia might hesitate before him."
"Good answer. You've gone through a lot these years, haven't you?" Koji asked.
"Yes. I've already traveled this world once. In theory, I should be waiting for her at the end of the journey. She must leave her own mark — her own story — upon this world," Aether said quietly.
Who could have predicted that Koji, this unpredictable variable, would anchor him here instead?
"If you really want to know, that witch—" Alice raised a brow. "—that's me."
Lumine blinked. "I've heard… some things. But if you tell me, I'll probably learn much more."
Alice smiled slyly. "You've heard about Rhinedottir from Mondstadt, haven't you?"
"Khaenri'ah's story runs deep," Aether warned. "Even she can't casually speak of it."
"Oh? You really think I'd mind?" Alice teased.
Koji crossed his arms. "With me here, who could possibly hurt Lumine?"
Alice's smile froze.
"Exactly," Koji said firmly. "If anyone tries, I'll erase even their chance at resurrection."
"Dear, you're not coming back with me, are you?" Lumine asked again with that same dangerous smile.
Aether took another step back.
Her grin softened; warmth filled her chest. Next time we play cards, I'll grant him every pose he wants, she thought contentedly.
Aether and the Abyss Herald both felt as if they'd just eaten an entire meal of dog food.
Once again, Aether sighed. I really did crash this time…
(End of Chapter)
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