The hare startles as I sit up abruptly, its warm body still pressed against my chest. Another loop. The familiar frustration surges through me before I force it down. This time will be different.

I've memorized every variation, every wrong turn that led to your blood staining the jade-green bamboo leaves of Jade Sparrow Mountain. Every time I failed to protect you.

The coded letter still weighs against my chest – the starting point of this endless cycle. But this time, I won't follow the same path.

I secure my blade and stand, the hare darting into the underbrush. No trip to the Chu residence first. No polite deliberations with Xuan Wangjun. This time, I'm going straight to you.

The mountain air feels crisp against my skin as I move with purpose toward town. I know exactly where to find you – browsing the weapon shop where our paths first crossed in this loop, your fingers tracing the intricate wolf head design on that obsidian dagger.

There you are. Dressed in your usual pale杏色 (apricot-colored) robes, sunlight catching in your hair like liquid gold as you laugh at something the shopkeeper says. My chest tightens at the sight – the easy joy I've watched vanish too many times.

You turn as I approach, that bright smile faltering slightly at my intensity. "Mister Feng?" Your voice is cautious, uncertain of this unexpected encounter.

I don't waste time with greetings. "You need to come with me. Now." My hand reaches for yours before I can second-guess the impulse.

Your fingers are warm and slightly calloused from your sword practice, just as I remember. You stare at our joined hands, then back at my face, those amber eyes searching mine for answers I can't yet provide.

"What's happening?" you ask, voice lowered but not pulling away.