Chapter 95: Moonlit Betrayal

The palace shimmered under the light of a twin moon convergence—a rare celestial event celebrated with music, feasts, and dancing. Shisui stood at the center of the Hall of Harmony beside Princess Irylia, garbed in ceremonial robes stitched with silver and royal blue.

Nobles, dignitaries, and foreign envoys watched with keen interest. A rare union across worlds was on the horizon. Yet in the darkened corners of the great hall, Countess Elthara whispered the activation phrase.

A wine servant—eyes glazed over with magical compulsion—stepped forward and reached into his sleeve.

Shisui's sixth sense flared. He spun—just as the assassin drew a blade laced with spiritual poison meant to kill an Arch Energy user instantly.

But before Shisui could act, a radiant silver shield burst into being, blocking the dagger in mid-air with a resonating chime.

"Irylia?" Shisui whispered, stunned.

The princess stood between him and the attacker, arms outstretched, her eyes glowing with ancient runes.

Her voice rang out, clear and commanding:

"Lunaris Aegis!"

The dome of moonlight magic expanded, freezing the attacker in place as lunar chains bound him in glowing silver bands.

The entire hall erupted into chaos. Guards rushed forward. The would-be assassin collapsed, the magical compulsion fading. Shisui grabbed Irylia's hand and examined her trembling fingers.

"You—you blocked an Arch-poisoned strike…"

She nodded shakily. "I've been training quietly. I wanted to be ready to protect you, just like you've done for me."

From the shadows above, a second assassin aimed a crossbow lined with cursed arrows—but this time, Irylia's instinct kicked in. Her eyes flashed as she whispered: "Lunar Burst!"

A beam of concentrated moonlight shot from her palm, disarming the attacker and throwing him from the balcony.

Silence followed.

Then applause erupted.