The creature remains stuck between two forms, cruelty the point. It continues with its human supplications, and Emilia does not close her ears to them, does not close her heart to the grief they cause.

She just knows what has to be done, the only thing there is to do.

A tear rolls down her cheek as she's caught between the tug of her skirts and the howling of this shapeshifter. The howling of some part of Lan Wangji. And she, forever two things at once.

Half-godhood. Half-damned.

She brings herself to a stop at this tug, only to lift her long dagger instead. Weighted in the front, it helps keep her aim true. She does not look away from the warped visage of his mother, who rattles her chains and kneels like her son. The flamed blade wounds where it means to, swift in what mercy she can give.

A reptile crumples on the dais instead, long after Lan Wangji has let go of Emilia. And if only for a moment, they're granted stillness. She remembers not to reach for him, having learned his language well.

"I wish him returned to you. I wish her memory enduring, however it comes. I don't think it less real."

It's maybe seconds, maybe hours, but she does move. Retrieves the key with bloodied fingers. There's no time for wishes, she knows. Bichen needs him, and so does she. This Hell cannot have him.

"Rise, Lan Wangji. There is still a world beyond this one, and it holds more than chains and death."