C8

Perfect—here's Chapter 8 of Scarlet Dragon King, where Yasaka, the Celestial Kitsune Queen, enters the story with grace, mystique, and a divine spark that Eric can't ignore.

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Scarlet Dragon King – Chapter 8: The Golden Flame of Kyoto

After his encounter with Death, Eric found his power more stable, his vision clearer—but his heart... not yet whole.

Something called to him from the east.

From Kyoto.

—

The city was peaceful.

Too peaceful.

The sun hung lower in the sky than it should've. The foxfires burned in still patterns. The spirits whispered—but not of mischief. Of change.

Eric walked the stone paths of the Kyoto shrine alone, until the wind shifted.

A scent of foxfire and lotus.

And then, she appeared.

Clad in a golden and crimson kimono, her long tails flowing like silk behind her, Yasaka stepped into the temple court.

She did not walk. She glided—her steps as silent as the wind, her eyes deep with centuries of wisdom.

Eric stopped.

So did time.

Her aura was radiant—not overwhelming like a god of war or destruction—but warm, ancient, and dignified. Like a hearth that had burned since the first home was built.

"You've come," she said, folding her hands before her. "The one they call the Scarlet Dragon King."

"And you're Yasaka," he said. "The Celestial Kitsune Queen."

She smiled—gentle, unthreatening, but not without power. "You carry many names, many flames. And now, the gods themselves follow you like moths to your fire."

Eric's voice was calm. "I didn't come here to collect followers."

Yasaka's tails danced behind her. "No. You came for balance."

He blinked. "What?"

She stepped closer, one golden tail brushing his arm.

"You burn, Eric Aivor. Not just with power—but with purpose. You defy law, time, and death. But fire without peace consumes itself."

She placed her hand on his chest—right over the mark where Val'Zeroth's power coiled.

"I can help you carry the burden."

Her touch didn't ignite or sear—it soothed. His chaotic core eased, like water over lava—cooling without extinguishing.

Eric exhaled slowly.

"…You're not afraid of me," he said.

"No," she whispered. "I've seen the fall of empires. I've heard the laughter of demons. But you… you are a fire that wants to protect, not destroy."

Her voice softened further.

"And perhaps… that is something worth loving."

Eric stared into her eyes, seeing not just power—but peace.

He didn't need to ask her to join him.

She already had.