The apartment feels empty without them. Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Dan left only an hour ago, but their absence weighs on the air like a physical presence. I trace the wooden amulet around my neck, feeling the indentation of the "Jin" character against my fingertips. The red string is thinner than ever, barely visible against my skin.

They told me they need to return to the spirit world to research a way to strengthen our connection, but something in Zhuge Jin's eyes told me there was more he wasn't saying. Zhuge Dan had been uncharacteristically quiet as well, his usual playful smirk replaced by a tense line around his mouth.

I reach for my phone, intending to text them even though I don't know if messages can reach the spirit world, when a sharp pain behind my eyes makes me gasp. The room spins, and suddenly I'm not in my apartment anymore.

I'm standing in a vast hall with towering pillars, dimly lit by floating orbs of blue light. The air feels heavy with ancient power. At the far end, Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Dan kneel before a shadowy figure on a throne. Their heads are bowed, their posture defeated.

"Your interference has gone on long enough," booms a voice like thunder. "The Guangling King's punishment was just. You cannot continue to defy heavenly law."

Zhuge Jin lifts his head, his purple eyes blazing with unprecedented defiance. "We made our choice long ago. We will not abandon her."

The shadowy figure laughs, cold and hollow. "Foolish spirits. You've already forgotten most of what you were. Continue down this path, and you will cease to exist entirely."

Zhuge Dan stands suddenly, his red outer robe swirling around him. "Then we'll cease to exist together."

The vision shatters like glass, leaving me gasping in my apartment. My phone slips from my hand as I clutch my amulet, my heart pounding. They're in danger. The connection between us feels strained, like the thin red string is about to snap. I need to find them, but how do you reach beings who exist between worlds?