As the first ray of morning sunlight streamed in, the soft swish of someone sweeping fallen leaves sounded outside the door.
Beep, beep, beep. Beep, beep, beep.
Lin Ze switched off the alarm and climbed out of the hard bed, his back and waist aching. Taking his towel and toothbrush cup, he washed up, then fetched a sleepy Paimon from the pot. The two hurried toward the dining hall.
This routine felt an awful lot like being back at school.
"Hey, Stephen."
Lin Ze stood behind the man with his tray. "Sleep well last night?"
"Uh, pretty well, I guess."
Stephen blinked and rubbed his eyelids. The thought that his hands could be healed had kept him tossing and turning all night.
"What about you?"
Stephen turned to look at Lin Ze.
"Not bad, apart from the hard bed. But I should have a few extra padded quilts tonight. I'll give you two."
Lin Ze yawned. He was starting to regret using up all his Vials of Adeptal Speed while making furniture.
"Thank you."
Stephen thanked him. He had learned yesterday that Aether and Mr. Zhongli were staying right next door. He was grateful to both of them. Without them, he would never have made it to Kamar-Taj.
Stephen pressed his lips together. His hands still trembled as he held his tray, but he was no longer worried.
"Why are you alone? Where's Paimon, the one who's always with you?"
Meeting Steve's questioning gaze, Lin Ze froze. "Paimon? Isn't she right here with..."
The space beside him was empty.
"Wait! Where's my Paimon?"
"She was flying beside me when we came in. How did she disappear?"
Startled, Lin Ze hurriedly looked around. Surely not! How could he lose someone in a place this tiny?
Steve looked at him in confusion.