Thread by @tunnelOFdawn

#MDZS, #Wangxian. #DarkLanZhan.

Five bells toll deeply in the Cloud Recesses, cutting through the howling wind. The ringing reverberates through Wei Ying’s body as his muscles tense and his meridians flow freely with qi. Slumber sloughs off Wei Ying just as—

easily as his loosely tied robes slide off his shoulder. A white hand, long-fingered & calloused, reaches to slide cloth upwards.

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Ying murmurs on the fifth toll, “what was that?”

“Five tolls,” Lan Zhan says in a sleep-rough voice, “for a death—in the main line.”

Wei Ying stiffens. “You told me,” he says, “that there were no issues with the night hunt.” If not Lan Xichen, then could it be Lan Qiren for whom the bell tolls? Or Sizhui, their dear boy?

“I told you,” Lan Zhan says, voice still raspy, “that I was eager to come home to you.”

And Wei Ying had known that of course, Lan Zhan would never come home without fulfilling his responsibilities—without making sure that the rest of his party was safe. This time, it had only been Lan Zhan and Lan Xichen on a night hunt—the first after Lan Xichen’s seclusion.

For Lan Zhan to be home means that the night hunt proceeded without issue and yet, the ghostly toll of a bell remains.

And then a knocking on their door.

Wei Ying raises a hand to sketch out a seal in the air to light their lamps. The darkness seems impenetrable and yet—

Wei Ying fancies he can see twin golden glows in their air where his husband looms. A hand captures Wei Ying’s wrist; it is a piercingly chill grip. Lan Zhan must be sick—cold and quieter than he normally is.

“Do not go,” Lan Zhan whispers.

There is grief in Lan Zhan’s voice.

Lan Zhan knows who died.

Another knock at their door. “Wei Wuxian,” a familiar voice calls through the wailing of a rainstorm. “Wei Wuxian!”

It is Lan Xichen who calls so desperately.

Wei Ying closes his eyes, slumping into his husband’s embrace. Sandalwood, musk, & death.

“I promised you forever,” Lan Zhan says hoarsely. It is the voice of a man who had screamed until he died. Wei Ying does not want to fathom the pain his husband has endured. Already the thought of the Burial Mounds incites unbroken bones to ache.

“I love you,” Wei Ying agrees.

Lan Zhan hums as Lan Xichen shouts.