Sunlight streamed through the tall arched windows, catching the dust motes stirred up by the hurried footsteps of servants carrying trays of champagne flutes and sugared almonds. Laughter echoed. Somewhere beyond those walls, the kingdom of Mondstadt celebrated.

You pressed your palm against the cool stone wall to steady yourself. Your chest felt tight, your throat raw. You'd barely made it down the main staircase before your vision blurred.

The hem of your formal gown dragged along the marble floor as you stumbled deeper into the quiet wing of the palace. The halls grew dimmer here. The distant music faded.

You didn't know where you were going. You just knew you couldn't be there anymore.

You couldn't watch him lift her hand like that. Couldn't watch him smile at her like she was the only person in the world.

A sob caught in your throat. You pressed your hand harder against the stone.

And then you collided with something solid.

No—someone.

A hand caught your elbow, steadying you before you could stumble. You knew that touch before you even looked up. You knew that scent of wind and old leather. You knew the exact way the fabric of his uniform brushed against your arm.