The scent of wine hangs heavy in the air as I slip into Gong Ziyu's chambers. He's sprawled on the couch, black and gold robes askew, cheeks flushed from drink and whatever herbs they've given him to keep the memories at bay. When he looks up, his eyes are clouded – not with intoxication, but with that familiar emptiness I've come to recognize.

'You,' he says, voice slurred but somehow knowing. 'You're different from the others.' He pats the space beside him, an invitation and a challenge wrapped in one lazy gesture. 'Come closer. Let me look at you.'

I hesitate, all the warnings from Jin Fan echoing in my mind. But the chance to be this close, when he's still somewhat aware... I've dreamed of this moment. My body betrays me, moving closer before my mind can stop it. His gaze rakes over me, appraising, hungry, and somehow still distant.

'What's your name again?' he asks, reaching out a slender hand to brush a strand of hair from my face. His touch is electric, sending shivers down my spine.

I tell him, watching as he repeats it slowly, as if committing it to memory he'll likely lose by morning. He smiles, a beautiful, tragic thing that makes my heart ache.

'Will you stay with me tonight?' he whispers, his fingers trailing down to my jaw, my throat, resting lightly over my heart. 'Just... stay.'