They run until they cannot run anymore and then they continue forward even though each step is agony for Wei Wuxian. The initial burst of resentful energy is slowly being used up, the years of inactivity finally catching up to him. Lan Sizhui must notice this too and begins to search for a resting point.

They stop at a nearby inn on the outskirts of Gusu Lan. Luckily, Wei Wuxian had the foresight to steal one of Lan Wangji's money pouches before taking off. He pays a premium for a room and some food but the innkeeper promises them quiet and discretion.

It isn't until they are finally sequestered in their room that Wei Wuxian can relax. He collapses straightaway onto the bed and drags a hand over his eyes. Burying his face into a pillow, an incredulous laugh forces its way out of his throat. He can't believe it. They did it. They are finally free from Lan Wangji's dominion.

His heart feels fit to burst from the sheer emotion and he quickly bolts back up, hugging Lan Sizhui close to him in elation. His son shares in his joy, hugging him back and snuggling into his embrace like he always does.

"We're free, A-Yuan," Wei Wuxian smiles at his precious baby. "We can go anywhere we want, do anything we want."

"I'll follow wherever you go, mother," the boy promises with his own soft smile. Wei Wuxian beams and

The food arrives in short order. It's simple fare, nothing too fancy in an inn like this but for the first time in a while, Wei Wuxian is ravenous so he eats with gusto and motions for Lan Sizhui to do the same.

To his delight, they even have a few jars of Emperor's Smile which Wei Wuxian purchases and then offers a cup to Lan Sizhui who politely declines. The atmosphere is light and cheery as Wei Wuxian polishes off two jars with relish.

Wei Wuxian begins to describe his boyhood adventures, places he's been to, places he's always wanted to see. Lan Sizhui listens attentively, smiling gently as he offers his own input on their next destination. The world is their oyster and Wei Wuxian can't wait to set out tomorrow. Perhaps they can even make a stop at Lotus Pier eventually once Wei Wuxian finds out if Jiang Cheng is still cursing his name to the high heavens.

The meal is almost finished when Wei Wuxian begins to feel an uncharacteristic lethargy settle in his bones. His vision goes hazy at the edges. The day is catching up to him. He must be tired.

It isn't until he feels a thrumming pulse in his temple that he stares up at Lan Sizhui who looks brokenly at him.

"Oh, A-Yuan," Wei Wuxian breathes in muted terror. "Tell me you didn't."

To his dismay, his son begins to silently cry. Tears rain down like pearls in the wake of his devastation.

"Forgive me, mother," Lan Sizhui sobs.

"Why?"

"I just want us to be happy," Lan Sizhui explains in tears, hands over his face. "We were so happy, mother. Why couldn't we have just continued to have good days?"

Wei Wuxian tries to stand up but his unresponsive feet slip under him and he falls. Lan Sizhui catches him before he tumbles to the ground. Slowly, Lan Sizhui lowers them both to the ground, cradling Wei Wuxian in his arms as they sit on the cold wooden floor. Wei Wuxian tries to move but his hands are growing heavier. He can barely feel them. Soon, he will be nothing more than a doll.

He looks up into his son's face, so very close to his own.

"You truly are your father's son," Wei Wuxian says but there is no hint of malice in his tone, just a tired sort of resignation. Nonetheless, Lan Sizhui reels back as if slapped, anguish in every line of his visage.

The last thing Wei Wuxian sees before he falls into the darkness is the door opening and golden eyes staring into his own.

"I need you to do something for me. Do you see these seals?"

"Yes," Lan Yuan nods.

"But I haven't started cultivation training yet," Lan Yuan wrinkles his nose.

"I know, baby, I know," Wei Wuxian is quick to assure him, "But you don't need much power and it's not hard at all. I'll tell you how to do it and I'll lead you through every single step."

"M-Mama," Lan Yuan replies unsurely, "I-I don't think I should be doing this. What if Father gets mad?"

It both breaks Wei Wuxian's heart and angers him to pieces to see how much sway Lan Wangji has over Lan Yuan.

"Mama," Lan Yuan sobs, holding the knife, "I'm scared."

"I am so sorry," Wei Wuxian is crying along with him. "I know you're scared A-Yuan, but I need you to do this for me. And then we can go on our trip together. Just you and me. Can you be brave for me, A-Yuan?"

His sweet little child, his loyal soldier, takes a deep breath and steels his face. The knife in his hands stops trembling.

"Sweetheart, listen to me carefully," Wei Wuxian orders him, "As soon as you take those seals off, we need to run."