Chapter 37

The Forgotten Bond and the Awakening

Wen Shia's Silent Struggle

Wen Shia gently set down the bowls of noodle soup and chicken broth on the table, the steam curling upward like fleeting memories. He had poured his heart into preparing the dishes, hoping to reach Xiang in some small way. She used to adore noodles, savoring each bite with a quiet joy that lingered in her eyes.

But that warmth had vanished.

"I don't eat this. I don't like noodles," Xiang said, her tone cold and dismissive.

The words hit Wen Shia like a blow. He froze, his hand hovering over the table. She didn't even glance at the food, her indifference cutting deeper than he'd expected. Slowly, with trembling hands, he cleared the bowls, swallowing the lump in his throat.

That night, as he sat alone in his quarters, the memory of her rejection played over and over in his mind. He stared at the flickering candlelight, its glow a faint echo of the fire he once saw in her eyes.

"Will she ever remember? Will she ever be the same Xiang I knew?"

The Prince's Arrival

The stillness of the night shattered with hurried footsteps. A servant appeared at Wen Shia's door, bowing deeply.

"The prince has arrived and requests your presence, Zhao Jia."

Wen Shia adjusted his robes and hurried to the grand hall. His heart raced, both with anticipation and nerves. When he entered, the prince stood tall, his face obscured by an intricate mask adorned with golden designs.

Wen Shia bowed deeply. "I am Zhao Jia. The king has entrusted me to serve as his secret weapon. How may I assist you, Your Highness?"

The prince's voice was calm but commanding. "Our kingdom stands at the edge of war with heaven. Do you know how to fight?"

"Yes, Your Highness," Wen Shia said, his voice steady. "I have trained in swordsmanship and combat. I can prepare our forces for what lies ahead."

The prince nodded. "Good. From this moment, you are the captain of the army. Train them well and lead them to victory."

Wen Shia felt a surge of pride and bowed deeply. "I will not disappoint you, Your Highness. But I have one condition—every soldier must follow my orders without question."

The prince's eyes glinted behind his mask. "Agreed."

As Wen Shia left the hall, a newfound purpose burned within him.

Xiang's Cold Words

Wen Shia could hardly contain his excitement as he approached Xiang's chambers. He hoped that sharing this news might spark even a flicker of warmth between them.

"I've been made captain of the army," he said, his voice brimming with pride. "It's a great honor, and I wanted to share it with you."

Xiang turned to him, her expression blank. "That's good for you," she said flatly. "But why are you telling me? We're not close enough for you to share everything with me."

The casual indifference in her words was like a dagger to his heart. Wen Shia's smile faltered, and his shoulders slumped.

"I thought…" he began but stopped himself. Bowing slightly, he turned and walked away, retreating to the solitude of his chambers.

The Awakening

The palace lay in uneasy silence, the night draped in a heavy stillness. But in Xiang's room, the air began to shift.

A faint glow emanated from her chest—the Element Stone. Its light grew stronger, pulsing like a heartbeat as ancient power stirred within her.

Xiang's body moved on its own, her hands trembling as they ignited with flames. The fire licked up her arms, consuming everything it touched. She tried to scream, but no sound came out.

The walls of her chamber erupted in flames, sending servants rushing in, only to be driven back by the searing heat. Panic spread like wildfire.

The prince arrived, his imposing figure illuminated by the blaze. "Xiang, stop!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos. But she didn't hear him. Her eyes were vacant, her power uncontrolled.

The fire grew, swallowing everything in its path. The air thickened with smoke and ash, forcing everyone to flee. Only the prince remained, his mask glinting ominously in the firelight.

Wen Shia arrived moments later, skidding to a halt in the corridor. His breath caught as he saw Xiang—engulfed in a fiery aura, her every movement radiating destruction.

"Xiang!" he shouted, desperation lacing his voice.

She turned, her face unreadable, her power overwhelming. Flames surged toward Wen Shia, but the prince intervened, deflecting them with a wave of his hand.

"Take her down before she destroys everything!" the prince barked.

Wen Shia hesitated, torn between his duty and his love for Xiang. As the fire raged, he realized the Xiang before him was not the woman he once knew.

"Xiang…" he whispered, his voice trembling.

This wasn't just a loss of control—it was an awakening. The Element Stone had unleashed its full power, and Xiang was its vessel.