Panda_Novel

In the mystical city of Yūrei-no-Machi, where destiny is dictated by enchanted playing cards, the legendary Kagura Mei reigns as the Scarlet Queen. Gifted with the power to alter fate with a single draw, Mei is both feared and worshiped, her decisions shaping the rise and fall of empires. But when the exiled prince Ryūji Takeda seeks her aid to reclaim his lost throne, Mei finds herself caught in a dangerous game against unseen forces who seek to control fate itself. As treachery weaves through the shadows and the boundary between destiny and free will blurs, Mei must wager everything—including her own heart—to uncover the truth behind the cursed deck that holds the world’s future.

Scarlet Queen Of Fate

The fire crackled in the center of the temple hall, casting flickering shadows across the room. Yue Rin studied the man before her, Jiang Yun, his confident smirk hiding untold secrets. An army? His words lingered in her mind.

Liang Wei crossed his arms, his sharp gaze locked onto the stranger. "And why would a man with an army need us?"

Jiang Yun chuckled, stepping closer. "Because an army without strategy is nothing more than a mob. I've watched you, Yue Rin. You are more than just a warrior—you are a leader. I offer you strength, but I need someone who can wield it properly."

Yue Rin remained silent. Trust was not something she gave easily. "Where is this army of yours?"

Jiang Yun's expression didn't waver. "Scattered, hidden within the empire's shadows. But with the right signal, they will rise."

Zhen Xiu, who had been watching intently, spoke up. "And what do you gain from this alliance?"

Jiang Yun's smirk faded slightly. "Revenge."

A heavy silence filled the temple. Revenge was a dangerous motivator. It could forge the strongest alliances—or lead to ruin.

Yue Rin's fingers tapped against the hilt of her blade. "Who wronged you?"

Jiang Yun's eyes darkened. "The Emperor."

Before any decision could be made, a distant whistle broke the night's stillness. An enemy scout.

Liang Wei was the first to react, unsheathing his twin blades. "We've been found."

Yue Rin moved swiftly, grabbing her bow. "How many?"

Zhen Xiu rushed to the temple's entrance, peering into the darkness. The moonlight revealed movement—shadows shifting between the trees.

"A dozen men, lightly armored," he reported. "Scouts, but they'll send word soon."

Jiang Yun sighed, drawing a slender dagger from his robes. "Well, I suppose I should prove my worth."

Yue Rin smirked. "Try to keep up."

With that, she leaped from the temple steps, landing silently among the trees. The enemy hadn't spotted them yet. They had the advantage.

Liang Wei signaled to move. The group fanned out, surrounding the scouts in the darkness.

Yue Rin drew her bow, exhaling slowly. One shot, one kill.

She released. The arrow sliced through the air, burying itself in the throat of the nearest scout. He collapsed without a sound.

The others reacted, but it was too late. Liang Wei was already among them, blades flashing like lightning.

Zhen Xiu struck with precision, severing tendons and dropping enemies before they could scream.

Jiang Yun moved like a shadow, his dagger finding its mark with deadly grace.

Yue Rin parried a sword strike, twisting her body and driving her blade into the attacker's ribs. Warm blood coated her hands.

Within moments, it was over. The last scout collapsed, eyes wide with fear.

Jiang Yun wiped his blade clean. "Efficient."

Yue Rin turned to him. "If you betray us, I'll kill you myself."

Liang Wei sheathed his swords. "We move at dawn. This war has just begun."

And so, the rebellion took its first step toward destiny.

Pact with Shadows