That night, under the glow of lanterns and starlight, Fang and Syaoran strolled side by side through the cobbled paths of the Lycan Kingdom. The cool breeze rustled the silk banners, and laughter echoed from every corner of the festival.
Fang glanced up at him with curiosity. "Syaoran, what's this festival really about?"
He smiled gently. "It's called the Silken Thread Festival."
"Silken Thread?" she repeated, tilting her head. "What does that mean?"
He looked ahead at the sky filled with floating lanterns and said softly, "It symbolizes the invisible bond of love and connection. People write their wishes on silk ribbons and tie them to lanterns or trees—hoping their hearts will be heard by the universe."
Fang's eyes widened, her hands clasping together. "That's... so romantic. And beautiful."
Syaoran looked at her, caught off guard by how sincere—and adorable—she looked. His heart fluttered.
"Shall we write one together?" he asked.
Fang beamed. "Yes!"
They walked to the bridge that arched over twin rivers glistening with lantern reflections. Fireworks lit up the sky in bursts of crimson and gold. Beneath their feet, the wood creaked softly with each step.
Fang and Syaoran each picked a silk ribbon.
Fang wrote quietly, her eyes flicking toward him now and then.
> "I wish for Syaoran's happiness. I want him to stay by my side until the end of the world."
Syaoran hesitated, his lips curling into a nervous smile. He wrote:
> "I love Fang. Please let her love me too. Let us be together."
They tied the ribbons to a shared lantern, then carefully fastened it to a tree along the river's edge. The moment their hands parted, their eyes met—and lingered. A silent warmth passed between them.
---
As they wandered deeper into the market, Fang spotted something familiar.
"Syaoran! Look—it's your favorite!" she said excitedly, pointing to a food stall.
He smiled, amused. "You remembered?"
"Of course," she replied, tugging his hand. "Come on, don't you want some?"
But instead of heading toward the stall, Syaoran gently pulled her toward him. She stumbled slightly and found herself close—too close—against his chest.
Fang's breath hitched, her face heating. "S-Syaoran? W-What are you doing?"
He leaned down, his lips brushing her ear. "Why do you care so much about what I like or don't like, Fang? Don't you have anything you love?"
He pulled back slightly to search her eyes. Her heart pounded.
"I know you… because we've always taken care of each other," she whispered, barely audible.
Syaoran smiled faintly, then turned and walked away without another word. Fang stood frozen, her cheeks burning, before breaking into a shy smile as she hurried to catch up.
---
Soon, they arrived at the edge of the river and sat beneath a flowering tree. The moon reflected on the water like silver glass.
As they laughed and chatted, Syaoran's expression grew serious. His sharp senses picked up a presence nearby.
Fang noticed his change. "Syaoran? Is something wrong?"
He shook his head and smiled to ease her worries. "Nothing."
But moments later, shadows leapt from the trees—Lucian's men.
Without hesitation, Syaoran stood and summoned his magical energy. A wave of blue fire flared from his hands as he faced the attackers.
Fang rose to her feet, trembling. "Syaoran…!"
More men emerged from the darkness, surrounding them. A cruel laugh echoed from above, and a dark portal split the sky open.
> "Give me the stone," a sinister voice demanded, "or I'll end you both right here."
Syaoran's eyes narrowed. "Lucian… if you want it, then stop hiding and come fight like a man."
Lucian's mocking laugh echoed like thunder. Fang stepped beside Syaoran.
"These are the same men," she whispered, her voice shaking. "The ones who attacked me… when I was on Earth."
Syaoran turned to her, stunned. Before he could speak, Lucian's men attacked again, stronger this time. Syaoran fought valiantly, but they kept coming in endless waves. He started to weaken, his breaths growing heavier.
Fang stood helpless, her hands shaking, heart pounding. She looked around—then froze.
A strange sensation passed through her body.
Behind her, Lucian's hand emerged from the dark portal, casting a silent curse on her. A faint mark burned onto her back before he vanished into thin air.
Fang spun around, feeling a chill—but no one was there.
Syaoran, now exhausted, cast a protective shield around her with the last of his strength and rushed back into battle. Fang's hands clenched.
Then, she saw him fall.
"SYAORAN!!" she screamed.
Her voice split the night.
Birds soared into the air. The wind howled violently. Clouds darkened as lightning crackled overhead.
In a surge of power, a light erupted from her chest.
Her eyes glowed. Her feet lifted off the ground.
With a single, resounding blow of pure magic, she struck Lucian's men down. Their bodies disintegrated into smoke, vanishing into the wind.
She floated down and ran to Syaoran, falling to her knees. His body was cold, unconscious.
"Syaoran…" she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Please… don't leave me."