~ Chapter 10 ~

The oppressive silence of the forest felt alive in the wake of Lin Yue's power.

Even the wind, once howling through the trees, seemed to have stilled in reverence—or fear.

Her knees pressed into the damp earth as she struggled to catch her breath, her body trembling from exhaustion and the foreign energy that coursed through her veins moments earlier.

The jade blade lay lifeless in her grasp, its surface now dim as though slumbering after unleashing its fury.

Yet, the faint warmth of the pendant at her chest was a reminder that the power wasn't gone—it was merely waiting.

Wei Han's firm hand on her shoulder grounded her. "You've done enough for now," he said softly, crouching beside her.

His face, though resolute, betrayed hints of concern. "Let us handle whatever comes next. Rest, Yue."

She shook her head, her voice hoarse. "This power—it's not mine. I don't know how I did that, and I don't know if I can do it again."

Lady Zhen stepped forward, her expression sharp and unyielding. "Control is a fallacy. What you need is alignment. The blade responds to you, not because you control it, but because it sees a part of itself in you."

Lin Yue's fingers tightened around the hilt. "And if I fail to align with it?"

Zhen's gaze was unwavering. "Then you doom yourself and everything tied to you. The blade's power is ancient and relentless—it demands balance. If you falter, it will consume you."

Her words hit like a blow to Lin Yue's chest.

The gravity of her newfound connection to the blade, the beast, and the whispers weighed on her like an iron shackle.

Still, surrender was not an option.

The beast at her side released a guttural growl, its hackles raised as it fixed its gaze on the dark treeline.

The atmosphere grew thick with tension, the shadows deepening around them.

Wei Han's voice broke the quiet. "We can't stay here. Whatever force sent that army of shadows will regroup, and they'll be prepared for us this time."

"But where can we go?" Lin Yue's voice wavered.

"There's a place," Wei Han said after a pause. "A sanctuary hidden in the northern mountains. It was built centuries ago by those who carried the burden of ancient power. If it still stands, it could provide us answers—and protection."

Lady Zhen inclined her head. "The path won't be easy, but it's better than waiting here for our enemies to find us again."

Lin Yue nodded reluctantly, her grip on the blade firm despite the fatigue pulling at her limbs.

Her eyes drifted to the beast, whose golden gaze was locked on her. "Will it follow?"

Lady Zhen answered with certainty. "It's bound to you now. It won't leave your side—not unless you force it away."

The weight of that bond pressed heavily on her.

It was both a comfort and a reminder of the dangers that lay ahead.

Lin Yue took a deep breath. "Then let's move."

The landscape transformed as they left the forest behind.

The lush greenery gave way to rocky terrain, the air growing colder and thinner with every step.

The jagged cliffs that loomed in the distance seemed to stretch endlessly, their peaks shrouded in clouds.

Lin Yue struggled to keep pace, her muscles aching and her breath labored.

Yet, she refused to complain.

The beast moved silently beside her, its massive form a comforting presence.

Wei Han, always a step ahead, surveyed their surroundings with practiced vigilance.

His every movement radiated purpose, his hand never far from the hilt of his sword.

Lady Zhen, trailing behind, kept a watchful eye on their rear.

Her daggers gleamed in the faint light, a warning to anything—or anyone—that dared approach.

As night fell, the chill in the air became biting, and Wei Han led them to a small cave nestled in the mountainside.

The fire he started barely warded off the cold, but it was better than being exposed to the elements—or to their pursuers.

Lin Yue sat close to the fire, her hands wrapped tightly around the jade blade.

Its surface reflected the flickering flames, a reminder of the power it had unleashed.

She glanced at Wei Han, her voice trembling. "What's waiting for us at this sanctuary?"

"Answers, perhaps," he said. "Or more questions. The sanctuary was once a place of knowledge, but it also held secrets—many too dangerous to speak of."

"Secrets about the blade?"

"About the blade, the beast, and the throne you were born to inherit," he said gravely. "But also about the enemies you now face. The sanctuary may offer guidance, but it will not absolve you of the choices you must make."

Lin Yue's throat tightened. "I never asked for this. All I ever wanted was freedom."

Lady Zhen, her voice softer than usual, replied, "Freedom isn't granted—it's seized. And it's never without cost."

Lin Yue didn't answer.

The firelight danced in her eyes as doubts and fears swirled in her mind.

When sleep finally claimed her, Lin Yue's dreams were restless and vivid.

She found herself standing in a barren wasteland beneath a sky churning with dark clouds.

A figure emerged from the horizon, cloaked in shadow.

Their form flickered like a dying flame, their presence suffocating.

"Who are you?" Lin Yue demanded, clutching the jade blade.

The figure's voice was cold and mocking. "A reflection. A reminder. You stand at the edge of a precipice, child of the Jade Throne, and you don't even know it."

Lin Yue tightened her grip. "What do you mean?"

"You think this power is yours?" The figure sneered. "It isn't. You are nothing but a vessel—a pawn in a game far older than you can imagine. And when the time comes, you will break. Just as the others did."

Her heart pounded, anger rising to combat the fear. "I won't break. I'm not like them!"

The figure laughed, a chilling sound that echoed endlessly. "We shall see."

Before she could respond, the ground beneath her feet crumbled, and she fell into an abyss of darkness.

Lin Yue awoke with a gasp, her heart racing.

The fire had burned low, casting long shadows on the cave walls.

She instinctively reached for the jade blade, its familiar weight calming her frayed nerves.

But then she saw it.

At the entrance of the cave stood a figure cloaked in black, their face obscured.

Only their eyes, glowing an unnatural red, were visible in the dim light.

"You've run far enough," they said, their voice a cold, menacing hiss. "It's time to face your fate."

The beast rose instantly, placing itself between Lin Yue and the intruder.

Wei Han and Lady Zhen stirred, their weapons already drawn, but the figure stepped forward, undeterred.

"You think your companions can save you?" the figure said, their voice dripping with disdain. "The game has already begun—and you are already losing."

To Be Continued...