Chapter 3: The Wives’ Oath

That evening, in the sacred spring gardens of Whispering Hollow, Meiyan, Chunsi, and Lianhua stood before the Flame Basin—a shrine once used by the Twins of Dawn to renew their vows to Lucentia.

All three wore ceremonial robes, eyes locked in solemn determination.

Meiyan stepped forward.

> "Let this flame bear witness. Qingsai left us not out of betrayal… but out of love."

Chunsi added, "We will not weep like fragile maidens. We are Soulkindled wives. Let the world know we chose him."

Lianhua, voice soft but certain, whispered, "Wherever he walks, our hearts walk with him."

Together, they plunged their hands into the spirit-heated waters of the basin. The flames flared with pale light, and a soft, ghostly wind circled them—Lucentia's blessing.

They vowed to protect Qingsai's name, legacy, and lands. No matter how long he was gone, they would guard his keep and defend his honor from greedy nobles and courtly schemes.

The Orilan court might plan and plot—but the wives of the Soulkindled had become guardians of more than just titles. They had become a fire of their own.