Kage and Xuanyu: Prelude

Xuanyu looked up at the blood moon and felt the curse mark on her neck burn. 'Harbinger of Death' was the name most people called her. From a young age death surrounded her. Gruesome accidents befall those who get close to her but somehow, by stroke of luck, she managed to survive it all.

The blood moon is an omen, whether it bodes good or ill only time will tell.

The shadows suddenly shifted and Xuanyu turned to welcome the newcomer.

Kage stared at Xuanyu with worry. She hasn't been sleeping well and although he pretended not to notice, he could feel the change in her aura.

"We'll reach the Forbidden City soon, are you worried?" Kage asked.

Xuanyu shook her head and looked back at the blood moon. After some time she thoughtlessly asked, "Senior brother, if I die would you mourn for me?"

Kage stilled and his temper flared. But before he could respond Xuanyu laughed. "I was just teasing!" She moved a step closer to him and leaned her head on his shoulder. "Don't get mad…"

Xuanyu's nature has always been unpredictable but she'd never said such words before. Kage was aware of the whispers among the disciples of the sect but he treated it as useless and baseless gossip. The Xuanyu that he knew was not a herald of catastrophe.

Within the Forbidden City, a lone figure could be seen standing within a lush garden. There was music and laughter in the background but he was detached from it all. His whole focus was on the moon hanging in the night sky. He lightly lifted his snow-white hands and a shadow guard flashed to kneel before him.

"Any news?" The man asked.

"They will arrive within two days." The shadow guard replied courteously. "Should we delay them?"

"No need," the man said as he started walking back, towards the banquet. "What's destined to happen will happen. No need to intervene."

In a matter of seconds the garden was deserted as if the man and the guard had never been there. The silence was deafening but after a while a faint rustling sound could be heard within the trees.

The notorious thief, Ju Yi, jumped down and breathed a sigh of relief. Widely known as the 'Gentleman Thief', he came to the banquet to steal an artwork from the Crown Prince's private collection. Little did he know that he would hear such a priceless conversation.

Ju Yi frowned. He would have to change his plans for the night. He cannot risk making a move with the shadow guards prowling around the manor. But the information he managed to acquire would fetch a fair price to interested parties.

Ju Yi looked up at the blood red moon with a sly smile on his handsome face. Without delay, he flew out of the garden.

People with different thoughts and travelling on different paths but will eventually meet, unexpected but predestined by fate.

Three people, three separate destinies. One destined to rule, the other to betray and the last to die.

The end… or is it?