Shadows in the Snow

The first thing to catch his attention was the child's eyes, shining orbs of gold that could hold so much warmth if given the chance. But in that moment they glared up at him with cat-like pupils, a mixture of fear and cold rage. Warped black horns rose from its brow. Dark, wild hair matted with dirt and blood framed a pale face, trembling blue lips and chattering teeth. Twin fangs poked out at the corners of a twisted mouth. The boy's chest was bare, marred by scars, and his nails were grown so long they'd be better described as claws, stained with grime. His entire body was malnourished, skin stretched tight over jutting bones. Tracing over his right shoulder and down his arm was a distinct pattern of turquoise, slightly raised from the rest of his skin. Morax took a closer look and realized it was a bird, frozen mid flight. "An adeptus...?" He murmured, looking down at the creature before him.-The Archon War raged across Liyue like a wildfire, conflicts sparking up as gods fought for power. One night, Morax tracked a dark power into a snowstorm to the north. What he found at its source was a cruel beast and a boy yearning for freedom.