All the times I had returned to the Cloud Wall … had Wenzhi sensed me too? Had he found comfort in my presence as I had in his? Had he been fighting to return to me? I should have known that he would haunt me if he could. Tears surged into my eyes, falling to the stone floor—when had they gathered? How I hated crying in front of the court, but nothing could have tempered my emotions—the elation cresting through me, this incandescent joy.

Liwei raised his hand and motioned for me to ascend the dais. As I stepped forward, an attendant rushed to set a chair beside the jade throne. A relief to be able to speak to him away from the ears of his court, though their eyes remained on us still.

“Why did you not tell me?” There was no resentment in my question, just wonder.

“We dared not raise your hopes. Nor could I send him to the Mortal Realm until after I had assumed the throne, until I was sure it was safe,” Liwei explained.

“Thank you, I am grateful.” How inadequate these paltry words. “I will repay you,” I added fervently.

“You don’t owe me anything, not even your thanks.” His mouth stretched into a faint smile. “For if we were to keep count, my debt to you is greater. What matters is your happiness—you deserve it more than anyone.”

“You did this for me?” An aching gratitude swelled within.

“What other reason could there be? It was certainly not for him. I saw how you grieved; you were a shadow of yourself. You must have … you must love him greatly.” A breath slipped from him, drawn and soft. “Any hardship he endured in the world below was essential to strengthen his immortal spirit, to hasten his return. It is no trivial matter to overcome the adversities of the Mortal Realm, whether illness, loss, or heartbreak.”

My insides twisted at the mention of the last. I would bring him back. “I have a boon to ask of the Celestial Emperor,” I said slowly.

He did not hesitate. “Ask it from your friend, instead. We are friends, are we not?”

“Always.” A promise and a farewell.

Something wrenched from my chest, a weight I had been carrying all this time. Such lightness bloomed in its place, relief that this rift in me would finally heal—even as a pang struck my chest, a part of me still reluctant to surrender the dream of us that I had cherished for so long. Liwei had been so deeply entwined in my life, it was like tearing away a part of myself. Yet he would not be lost to me. I would always love him, even though my heart no longer beat to his.