Page 88 - B. Ing_Antologi Cerpen Xl-6

He was silent for a moment. The weight of his
past, the suffering he had endured, it kept him tethered to
solitude. Yet, Lumine's presence was different. She did
not pity him, nor did she fear him. A sudden tremor
shook the inn as a dark presence emerged near Liyue
Harbor. Xiao's instincts sharpened instantly. "Abyssal
energy…" he muttered. Lumine felt it too. Without
hesitation, Xiao vanished in a blur of teal light, and
Lumine followed.

They arrived at the scene, where shadows lurked
beneath the streets, disrupting the festival. Xiao fought
fiercely, his spear striking with precision, but the karmic
burden that weighed on him made every battle a silent
torment. Lumine, wielding her sword and the power of
Anemo, fought by his side..

As the battle ended and peace returned, Xiao
staggered slightly, the remnants of his karmic burden
gnawing at him. Lumine reached out, gently touching his
arm. "You're not alone," she said softly. "Not anymore.”

For the first time in years, Xiao allowed himself
to pause, not as a warrior, but as someone who was seen.
The lanterns above carried wishes, and in that moment,
Lumine silently wished for Xiao to find peace.

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