Chapter 12: The Villain’s Stage

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A Meeting in the Dark

Seraphina Yue stood at the edge of a moonlit cliff, the wind whipping at her cloak.

The letter had led her here—an anonymous message promising the truth.

Her instincts told her it was a trap.

But her doubt in the heavens had already begun to fester.

And now, she needed answers.

Behind her, a presence emerged from the shadows.

"Lady Seraphina," a smooth, commanding voice called.

She turned, her eyes narrowing as Lucian Valcrest stepped forward.

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The Villain's Act

Lucian wore the mask of a noble heir perfectly.

Dressed in fine black robes, his expression was gentle yet unreadable.

"I must admit," he said, smiling faintly, "I did not expect the great Seraphina Yue to respond so quickly."

Seraphina's guard shot up.

"You?" she hissed. "What do you gain by calling me here, Valcrest?"

Lucian sighed, as if burdened.

"I called you here," he said, "because you are being played like a pawn."

Seraphina's fingers twitched, her cultivation energy flaring.

But Lucian remained calm.

"Tell me, Seraphina," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "Why do you think Annalise Vermillion had prior knowledge of the ruins?"

Seraphina stiffened.

She had asked herself this same question.

Lucian took a slow step forward.

"The truth is simple," he whispered. "The heavens… are not fair."

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The Power of Words

Seraphina gritted her teeth.

"Do you expect me to believe you?" she said. "You—of all people?"

Lucian's smile didn't waver.

"I expect nothing," he said. "But consider this—if Annalise stole your opportunity, what makes you think she won't do it again?"

Seraphina hesitated.

Lucian leaned in slightly, lowering his voice.

"You are strong, Seraphina. But what happens when the heavens decide someone else is more deserving?"

He could see her internal struggle.

Doubt.

Suspicion.

It was working.

Lucian slowly unclasped his pendant.

And then—he made his first true move.

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A Cursed Gift

He extended the Cursed Dragon Pendant to her.

"Take this," he said. "A mere token of goodwill."

Seraphina eyed it warily. "A bribe?"

Lucian chuckled. "A tool. One that will help you… see the truth."

The moment her fingers brushed against the pendant, a cold shiver ran through her.

Her instincts screamed danger.

Yet… she didn't pull away.

Lucian's voice was barely above a whisper.

"This is just the beginning."

And deep within the pendant, something stirred.

A shadow, silent and patient, waiting for its master's will.

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