I found it impossible to go to sleep.

The night had already gotten fairly late once we left Dain's office, but I still sat in bed with my knees pulled to my chest. There was too much to think about, and a part of me wished that staying awake until the next day would give me more time for…everything.

Unfortunately, the familiar tingle on my wrist alerted me of our continued lost time. I brushed aside the friendship bracelet and glared at the four runes that remained. As if on cue, I heard the faintest echoing laughter—sinister with a humorous edge. Groaning, I grabbed my two pillows and flattened them on either side of my head. There was no room for confusion here—this was the abyssal influence that Aether was talking about.

After my brother showed us the primogem, there wasn't much to discuss—according to Dain. The headmaster had wrapped up the meeting with a sharp clap of his hands, and Aether was quick to leave the office before any of us. I could tell that the others wanted to speak to me afterward, but I had feigned tiredness and retreated to my room just as fast.

There had been a lot running through my mind then, and the thoughts had yet to settle. For starters, the implication that Thoma's injury was ultimately my fault weighed on my shoulders. Deep down, I knew that no real blame existed, but how could I properly atone for my naivety without stewing in guilt for one night? Hearing comforting words could wait.

Then, there was the matter of Aether's past. It didn't take much mulling over to be grateful that I hadn't been the one selected by Dain. After all, Aether and I ended up in the same place regardless of our upbringing.

A faint knock at my door made me pause. I slowly removed the pillows from my ears.

Who was visiting at this hour?

The knocking came a second time, and my brain recognized a familiar pattern. Two short taps followed by one long knock, and then a short tap. It had been forever since I heard the sequence that Aether and I made up together as children, and the memory motivated me to clamber out of bed.

When I opened the door, Aether stood on the other side. He held two bags, one in each hand, and lifted them slightly. Though he offered a smile, I saw weariness in his eyes.

"What are you doing here?" I asked and stepped back for him to enter.

"Tired of me already?" he joked. "I brought some things to help you. Remember that spirit borneol I told you about?"

The incense from Sumeru that countered abyssal influence. I nodded.

"I brought a bundle with me and wanted to give you some. If I ration properly, we'll last until the next shipment arrives," Aether said and pulled out a glass jar from one bag.

Instead of incense, there was a green-tinged liquid inside. Aether then dipped his hand back in the bag and revealed a small handful of sticks made of wood. Curious, I watched as he popped off the jar's lid and placed the sticks inside. The jar was small enough that the bottom half of the sticks were submerged in the liquid, and the top half stuck up into the air.

"The dorms aren't suited for burning incense," Aether explained, settling the jar on my desk. "The smoke would spread to everyone's room through the vents, and that would cause some…side effects. So, I tinkered with simple alchemical techniques and made this diffuser."

Impressed, I instinctively sniffed the air. My nose tickled as it registered the unfamiliar foresty scent of spirit borneol already permeating the room. As far as I could tell, there was no immediate effect.

"Thank you," I said before knitting my brows. "Is that why you left in such a hurry?"

Aether nodded and leaned back on my desk, palms bracing himself on the surface. "Enjou's mojo is no joke, and I wanted to make sure your mind was protected as soon as possible. I didn't want to make any promises right after the meeting, but luckily I was able to pull off something like this."

"And the other one?" I peered at the unopened bag that he had set on my chair.

His serious expression dissolved into a warm smile as he scooped it up. As he tugged on the string that kept it closed, Aether walked to my bed and set the bundle of fabric down. It loosened and spilled out to reveal a cluster of cookies—chocolate chip. The sight of them drew me forward in an instant, and I carefully sat back in bed to avoid jostling the cookies to the floor.

"Are these going to chase away the Abyss Order, too?" I joked, knowing better. "It's hardly the time for a snack."

Aether puffed out his chest. "We never let time stop us before. Remember our covert missions when we were kids? I lost count of how many times we stole cookies from under Katheryne's nose and scarfed them down while hiding under our beds."

"We were hardly secretive about it," I laughed. "Katheryne was eventually resigned to lecturing us after the fact instead of preventing our schemes."

"It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission."

"Thanks for the cookies, too," I said and grabbed one from the pile. "Where'd you get them, anyway?"

"There's a small bakery in town. I figured my return here would be exhausting in multiple ways and decided to stop by for a pick-me-up." Aether leaned down to take a cookie for himself, resting an arm on the short bedpost. "You're lucky I felt like sharing."

I rolled my eyes. "You're so gracious."

We ate our cookies together silently, and I made sure to shuffle back slightly. There's no reason for him to just stand there. With my mouth full of cookie, I patted the space in front of me and said, "Sit."

Aether's brows pinched together.

For a second time, I rolled my eyes. "Come on."

It didn't take much convincing after that. Aether tentatively folded his legs on my bed, and I watched his whole body sag into relaxation—no—relief. The weariness in his eyes also cleared a bit, and he finished his first cookie with an even brighter smile than before.

Concerned, I kept my eye on eye on him. It didn't take a genius to know that Aether had been burdened for a long time, but I wanted him to open up about it on his own. Alas, how could I not pester him while the chance was here? As happy I was to spend time eating cookies together, there were some things that I couldn't ignore.

"Aether, what's really going on with you?" I asked after swallowing my bites. Once the words were out, I realized that my question was rather vague. "What Dain said—"

"First thing's first," he interrupted. "Do you care to explain your relationship with Tartaglia?"

"Huh?" I replied rather dumbly, taken aback by his counter.

"I suspected something was up during our first conversation, and the fact that he tagged along in Dain's office makes it even more obvious," he said with a frown. "Before I left, Tartaglia was known to everyone as someone who tolerated only himself. If he paid any attention to others, it was because he saw a level of strength worth crushing."

I sighed. "For the most part, he was like that when we first met, too."

"For the most part?"

"Yeah, well…" I busied myself with selecting another cookie—they all looked the same. "He's not so one-dimensional. After a while, he sorted out priorities and we became friends."

Aether narrowed his eyes, doubtful.

"You've seen it for yourself," I said with a shrug.

"Friends?"

Against my will, I blushed and stuffed another cookie in my mouth. As long as I was chewing, there wouldn't be a chance for me to elaborate on the specific details of the relationship. My embarrassment didn't stem from my feelings for Childe. It was simply difficult to face Aether about it—especially with his scrutinizing look.

He crossed his arms and squinted at me. "Alright, then. What about Kaeya?"

I choked on the cookie.

Aether's eyes narrowed even further. "Diluc?"

After a heavy pat on my chest, I drew in a breath and cleared my throat. "Why aren't you eating? There's plenty more."

"You seem awfully concerned about the injured one—enough to make such an extreme deal with Enjou."

"I'd do the same for any of my friends," I said defensively. "Even if they're someone I don't know, I can't sit back and let someone die when there's a chance for them to be saved."

His expression softened somewhat after a moment of silence, but I wasn't in the clear just yet.

"So, Thoma's just another peer."

"I wouldn't say that," I mumbled and lowered my voice further to say, "We were on a date."

"A what?"

"You'd really like him. Thoma's a nice guy."

"I'm sure," Aether replied dully. "That can be determined for certain later."

Bothered enough with his judgment—though not directed at me—I straightened my back and cut an equally stern glare his way.

"What does it matter to you? You can't act all big brother on me because one, we're the same age, and two, they've supported me for months while you've been gone for years."

"I didn't exactly have a choice," he shot back.

I flinched slightly. "Okay, well, my point still stands. You've been here less than one day and are trying to pick and choose who I can hang out with."

"Actually, it's who I believe can hang out with you. The switch around makes a big difference," he said plainly. "Do we really have to argue?"

I considered holding my ground before sighing. "I guess this isn't very productive—especially since you'll find it quite impossible to keep them at bay."

"I don't know about that."

"You're only one person."

"Ah, you forget I'm the Champion."

"That has nothing to do with this," I huffed. "You can't throw that title around and expect things to go your way."

His teasing grin fell. "I know. If anything, being Champion has brought nothing but trouble."

"Tell me about it," I grumbled rhetorically, not thinking he'd say more on the subject.

There was a subtle shift in the air, though. Some of Aether's tension had returned with the mention of being Champion, and a distant haze crossed his eyes. He'd successfully derailed our conversation to talking about my love life once, but that wouldn't work again. This time, I decided to wait properly for him to elaborate.

The cookies were nearly gone at this point—not much sweetness left to lift the dampened mood.

"I can't remember the last time I've been able to exist like this," Aether said softly. "Late-night cookies with someone else. Easygoing back-and-forth conversation with no hidden motives. Lowering my guard…it's refreshing."

With some hesitation, I prodded further. "Were you able to make any friends?"

"Friends? Of course," he scoffed. "It would be a disgrace if I became any form of an outcast. My role as a model student covers everything from academics, extracurriculars, and mastering the art of socialization. Acting friendly and being close—those are two different things. While my relationships aren't entirely an act, I say and do what I have to. That way, everyone is happy."

A frown pulled at my mouth. "That's what Dain wanted?"

"He'd settle for nothing less than perfect. In the beginning, I resented him a lot for taking me away from you, but part of me was also hopeful. I thought he could be a real father figure of some kind, and I did my best to impress him—to prove myself." Aether sighed, and he picked at the leftover crumbs. "Eventually, I learned that my efforts were pointless. Dain has only ever been a headmaster to me, and I have only ever been a student to him. Once I learned to accept that, well, it was just a matter of graduating and finally getting the chance to be on my own."

I had worried this was the case when Dain boasted about Aether's success. In exchange for excelling at everything, Aether was robbed of a proper childhood. I couldn't imagine what it would be like—unable to express myself or freely make mistakes. Madame Ping had been hard on me at times, but I knew it was because she loved me.

"That sounds…" I couldn't find the right word.

Terrible? Unforgivable? Like a nightmare?

"It wasn't all bad," Aether cut in. "In the summers, Dain sent me all around Teyvat to learn more about the world and gain insight from different experiences and cultures."

That sounded fun, but there was a tightness in his voice that suggested otherwise.

"In Mondstadt, I was enrolled into the Knights of Favonius training program. One summer, I was given the task of securing an audience with the Liyue adepti all on my own. Then there was the trade and commerce program in Ritou, an internship in legal affairs when I visited Fontaine…you get the idea."

I winced slightly at just the thought of engaging in so many expectations. Still, the thought of Aether traveling all of Teyvat was exciting.

"You went to Liyue for a whole summer? That's where I've been living."

"Really?" His face lightened. "Were you anywhere near Jueyun Karst?"

That region of Liyue was notorious for being unreachable by mere mortals. Even so, Madame Ping would offhandedly talk about the beautiful scenery there. I always assumed she was an extremely skilled adventurer in her youth, much more than she let on. Because of her, I had some idea of what the adepti's abodes were like. For Aether to successfully meet with those legends—I was impressed.

"No, I lived closer to Liyue Harbor. It's always been me and Madame Ping."

Aether's surprise shifted to contemplation. "Madame? Did you have to follow a strict lifestyle, too? With a name like that…"

"You know how it is in Liyue," I said with a shrug. "I call her Madame Ping out of respect, but she never acts like a stuffy old lady. She treated me with kindness from the very beginning and…the total opposite of Dain, really."

"Tell me more," Aether said, eyes softening. "Would I like her?"

I knew for a fact that Madame Ping would come to love Aether as much as she did for me, but I didn't outright say that. Instead, I thought back to all the times I acted carelessly and Madame Ping would scold me. After we argued, our disagreements would dissolve with a plate of prepared fruit. Her endless teasing, her infinite stories, her love of music—there was so much to say about Madame Ping.

I told Aether all of this, my energy lifting, and he listened with a fond smile.

"I'm happy for you, Lumine," he said. "I'm relieved it was me, and not you, who Dain chose."

My nose scrunched at Aether's words. "Nope, none of that. I'd rather he picked neither of us and Madame Ping would have her hands full with two competitive kids. I'd rather we focus on where we are now—who we are—together."

"I'm just saying that the past—"

"Can't be changed," I interrupted. "You were alone then, but you're not alone anymore."

Aether challenged me with his eyes, but I held steady.

"I wasn't entirely alone, actually."

"Oh?" I blinked, thinking of what he could mean by that. Dain was a dud as far as parental figures went, so who could Aether have relied on? A giddy thought jumped into my head, and I grinned. "Are you dating someone?"

He turned bright red. "What? No."

"You're crushing on them, then."

"What are you—that's not what I meant," he sputtered. "I haven't exactly had the time to…forget it. I was talking about Katheryne."

Disappointment shut down my happy thoughts. I had been so close to teasing him for eternity.

"She was already head secretary by the time I enrolled at Celestia Academy," Aether murmured, his blush fading away. "I had asked about you, and she said you were adopted a week after me, but she wouldn't tell me anything else. You know how it's impossible to sneak any information out of her. Still, whenever I felt low, Katheryne let me sulk in her office while she did paperwork."

"Katheryne told me about you, too," I recalled. "And she was just as tight-lipped when I asked for more. We should visit her office together sometime since there's nothing left to hide."

"Right, nothing left to hide," he repeated, albeit detached.

"Aether, there is nothing left to hide, right?"

The resigned look he wore said otherwise, and I didn't bother asking for elaboration. He should know that there would be no escaping this room without giving the details. Just to be sure he understood, I crossed my arms with a pointed stare.

"I planned on telling you anyway," he began. "I just didn't want it to be the first thing we talked about. Long story short, there was never a secret oath between me and Enjou."

My brows drew together, confusion muddling my mind. That went against what he told Dain. "What's the long story…long?"

Aether sighed, taking a moment to look out the window, and then he reached up for the primogem hanging around his neck. It wasn't visible from underneath his shirt, but I understood the gesture.

"Enjou must have had his eye on me for a while, and he did his fair share of research before spawning on campus for the Grand Tournament." Aether's lips twisted in a grimace. "I never had any reason to be wary of the Grand Tournament officiators, only the other competitors. After a trial where I had to win a match against the Kamisato siblings—that wasn't easy, by the way—I found a spot to rest. Then, Enjou appeared out of nowhere disguised as staff."

"Did he give you the Abyss Order spiel? How you're their only hope to save their realm from doom?" I couldn't hold back the bite in my tone.

"Not in the slightest. He had rambled on about the Grand Tournament, enough to convince me he was legit, and he claimed he was there to assign me a task for the next trial. According to Enjou's lie, all competitors had to register themselves and be matched with a compatible opponent."

A matching system made sense, but I mulled it over.

"I thought it was strange," Aether said. "No two trials were alike, so two fights in a row felt like overkill. Still, I had no reason not to believe him."

His hand dropped from his collar, and he stared down at his open palm. Slowly, Aether drew an invisible line down the middle of his hand with one finger.

"The requirement for registration—to properly analyze our talents, skills, and affinities—was blood."

Shock brought a hand to my mouth as I gasped silently. "Enjou took your blood?"

"More like I gave it to him. He said the choice was mine, which aligned with the rest of the trials, and I carved a wound that dripped blood into his…book."

"Not a bowl?" What would Enjou need with blood? Horrified, I wondered if he drank it. "Or a goblet?"

Aether shook his head decisively. "It was a book—maybe even a catalyst. The blood seeped into the pages and disappeared into the ink of the words. I didn't get a good glimpse at what the text said, but it wasn't in our normal language. Right after that, we were located by the task force. Enjou dropped his facade and fled. I've been trying to break free from him ever since," Aether finished solemnly. The light in his eyes dimmed, and I could only imagine what nearly a year of Enjou's torment would have been like.

Living with what had happened must have been difficult, but it didn't make sense for Aether not to tell Dain the truth.

I asked the next obvious question. "Why lie and say there was an oath?"

His jaw clenched, and Aether's next words came out strained. "Because…because it was bad enough that I made a mistake. It was bad enough that Dain's prodigy fell for such a silly little trick and jeopardized the safety of everyone and everything. I should have known better."

"Aether…" I paused, careful with how I proceeded. "Enjou took your blood. That's way more serious than my situation. Who knows what sort of power he can hold over you?"

"That's for me to deal with."

"Not alone, it isn't."

"I won't let you get into any more trouble with Enjou."

"Then why bother telling me the truth?" I huffed in frustration. "There's no chance I'm going to let you handle this by yourself."

"I have Celestia Academy's best resources to rely on," Aether scoffed. "I'll be fine. I'll figure it out. I always do."

"That's not the same, and you know it."

"I told you because you're the only one I have, Lumine. No matter how much I detest Dain for my upbringing, I can't shake off the guilt and shame of disappointing him. For him to know I made such a colossal mistake…you can't tell him. No one else can know."

Aether looked at me directly, his eyes desperately searching for confirmation that I wouldn't reveal his secret. It hurt my heart to see him so distraught over this, but I couldn't look past the liability.

In my silence, Aether hardened his stare. "You're my family, and…I can trust you, can't I?"

"That's unfair," I said quietly.

Instead of acknowledging it, Aether lifted a closed hand and stuck out a pinky. I laughed despite myself at the childish gesture. A pinky promise was hardly a powerful pact in the grand scheme of things, but Aether was right. We were family. If I went against his wishes now, there's a chance he'd never open up to me again.

Giving in, I hooked my pinky with his and promised, "I won't tell anyone."

"And…?"

"What else is there?" I eyed Aether and quirked an eyebrow.

"You won't get involved."

"I'm already involved."

"You won't get any more involved."

"I promise I won't tell anyone," I repeated, sticking only to that. "I can either pinky wrestle you into accepting it or—"

"Fine."

"Fine?"

"Yeah, fine. You win." Aether released his pinky and rolled his eyes, though I detected a smile. "I still remember how impossible it is to argue with you sometimes, so I'll save us the headache. Besides, you'll be too busy worrying about other people to bother with me."

"That's not true," I countered. "Once Thoma is healed—"

"Focus on him first, then."

I opened my mouth to argue but found nothing to argue with. As dire as Aether's situation was, Thoma's was the most time-sensitive. Somehow, Aether already knew how much Thoma meant to me, and I didn't feel any guilt for prioritizing him over my brother. This just so happened to work in Aether's favor—keeping me out of his business—and I scowled.

"You'll get wrinkles if you keep frowning like that." He had the nerve to joke. "Don't stress so much. You've got the Champion on your side now. I'll do everything I can to help that Thoma guy out. I have a ninety-nine percent success rate on assignments, you know."

"In four days?"

"I'll have a solution prepared in two."

Aether's casualness was a stark contrast to the vulnerability he displayed just moments before. In a matter of seconds, I watched him slip into a different character—one that oozed confidence, dependability, and intellect. So, this was how he masked himself from everyone else.

"Thank you," I said and lifted my chin. "I'll work hard on it, too."

He smiled and pushed himself off of the bed, collecting the empty cookie cloth and stretching his arms. "Get some sleep first. The spirit borneol should help with that. Though, I can't say the same for making you any taller than me."

My scowl returned. "What are you talking about?"

"I do remember you claimed long ago…" He trailed off and began to walk away. "Something about height-enhancing sleep. It didn't work. I'm forever taller than you."

This couldn't be. Was Aether really taller? Determined to set the matter straight, I also began to climb out of bed, but Aether was already slipping through the door before my feet could touch the floor.

"Wait—"

"G'night, Lumine."