CHAPTER 22

Chapter 22: Web of Deceit

The palace of Lianhua was a labyrinth of whispers and shadows. Every corridor held secrets, every smile masked a hidden agenda. As the wedding day approached, the threads of fate wove a tangled web—one that threatened to ensnare all who dared to walk its path.

The Masked BallTo celebrate the impending union, the palace hosted a grand masked ball—a night of elegance, music, and veiled intentions. Nobles and dignitaries from distant realms gathered, their faces hidden behind ornate masks, their true desires cloaked in mystery.

Xuan moved through the crowd, her eyes sharp, her heart guarded. She knew the ball was more than a celebration—it was a battlefield of secrets.

The Stranger's WarningAmidst the swirling dancers, a masked stranger approached Xuan. His voice was low, urgent.

"Beware the wolf who wears the lion's crown," he whispered. "Not all is as it seems."

Before she could respond, he vanished into the crowd, leaving behind a single black feather—a symbol of the Veil of the Eclipse.

The Sister's Secret UnveiledIn a secluded chamber, Mei Lin met Prince Kael under the cover of night. Their affair had deepened, but so had the stakes.

Kael revealed his true intentions—not just ambition, but a dark pact with the Abyss Realm's forces. He sought to use Mei Lin as a pawn to seize power and unleash chaos.

Mei Lin's loyalty wavered, torn between love and duty.

The Hidden AllianceUnknown to many, Lord Kano had forged a secret alliance with the Veil of the Eclipse, promising to aid their dark designs in exchange for dominion over Lianhua.

His spies infiltrated the palace, sowing discord and gathering intelligence.

The Twist: The Double AgentAmong the loyalists, a trusted advisor was revealed to be a double agent—feeding information to both Kano and the cult. His betrayal cut deep, threatening to unravel the kingdom's defenses from within.

Xuan's CountermoveArmed with the stranger's warning and the knowledge of betrayal, Xuan devised a daring plan. She would use the wedding as a trap, exposing enemies and turning the tide.

Her resolve was steel—she would protect her kingdom, no matter the cost.

The Cliffhanger: The Night of MasksAs the moon rose high, the palace prepared for the wedding night—a night where masks would fall, and true faces revealed.

The air was thick with tension, and the dance of shadows had only just begun.

In the web of deceit, trust was the rarest and most dangerous thread.