Bound by Fate

7

Yueling forced herself to stand, spitting blood from her lips as she took her first shaky steps. She stumbled, her legs trembling beneath her, but refused to give in. With each step, she grew stronger, her determination driving her forward.

Just as she thought she'd reached the end of the dark corridor, a snarling demon emerged from the shadows, its eyes glowing red in the dim light. Yueling raised her hands, ready to defend herself, but the demon was too powerful.

Just as all hope seemed lost, Xie Feng appeared, his sword flashing in the dim light. With a few swift strikes, he dispatched the demon, its body dissolving into nothingness.

Breathless, Yueling leaned against the wall, her eyes locked on Xie Feng's. "Why did you save me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Xie Feng's expression softened, his eyes gleaming with a warmth she'd never seen before. "You are mine to protect, Yueling," he said, his voice low and husky. "No harm will come to you while I still breathe."

Yueling's heart skipped a beat as Xie Feng offered his hand, his eyes burning with an inner intensity. She took it, feeling a spark of electricity as their palms touched...

The maids, their faces expressionless, grasped Yueling's hands, leading her to the grand ceremony hall. The room was filled with an eerie, flickering glow, the air thick with the scent of incense and something darker.

As they reached the altar, Yueling saw Xie Feng waiting, his eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity. The maids forced her to bow, her head pressed to the cold, black stone.

The ceremony began, the words spoken in a language Yueling didn't understand. She felt a surge of panic, her mind racing with desperate thoughts. This couldn't be happening. She couldn't be bound to this demon prince forever.

But it was too late. The ritual was complete, the final words spoken. Xie Feng's hand closed around hers, his grip like ice.

Yueling felt a searing pain, as if her very soul was being branded. She screamed, but her voice was drowned out by the cacophony of demon cheers and applause.

As the darkness closed in, Yueling saw Xie Feng's face, his eyes burning with a fierce triumph. She was his now, bound to him for eternity...

The maids released Yueling, and she crumpled to the ground, her body wracked with sobs. She felt as though her entire world had been shattered, her freedom and autonomy torn from her grasp.

Xie Feng's face appeared above her, his expression unreadable. "Do not cry, my bride," he said, his voice low and husky. "You will learn to love me, to obey me."

Yueling's tears only flowed harder, her body shaking with despair. She felt a hand on her shoulder, and looked up to see one of the maids, her face soft with pity.

"Come, Princess," the maid whispered. "You must compose yourself. The Crown Prince will not be pleased if you do not."

Yueling allowed herself to be helped to her feet, her eyes fixed on Xie Feng, who watched her with an unnerving intensity. She knew she had to find a way to escape, to resist his control, or risk losing herself forever...

The bridal chamber was shrouded in darkness, the only light coming from a few flickering candles. Yueling sat like a statue, her tears pouring down like rain, her body numb with grief.

The door creaked open, and Xie Feng entered, his eyes fixed on Yueling with an unnerving intensity. He approached her, his movements silent, his presence filling the room.

Yueling didn't look up, didn't move, as Xie Feng reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. His touch sent shivers down her spine, but she refused to react, refused to give him the satisfaction.

Xie Feng sat beside her, his eyes never leaving hers, his face expressionless. For a long moment, they simply sat there, the only sound Yueling's quiet sobbing.

Then, without warning, Xie Feng spoke, his voice low and husky. "I know you hate me now, Yueling," he said. "But I promise you, I will make you love me. I will make you mine.

Xie Feng's arms wrapped around Yueling, pulling her into a tight embrace. She tried to resist, but he held her fast, his grip unyielding.

At first, Yueling's body remained stiff, her heart racing with fear and resentment. But as Xie Feng held her, something strange happened. His warmth seeped into her bones, his scent filled her senses, and his gentle hold seemed to calm her racing thoughts.

Yueling's tears slowed, then stopped, as she felt a sense of peace wash over her. She didn't understand it, didn't want to understand it, but her body seemed to relax in Xie Feng's arms.

Xie Feng's grip eased, his hands stroking her hair, her back, with a gentle touch. "Shh, my bride," he whispered. "I will take care of you. I will make you happy."

Yueling's mind reeled, her emotions in turmoil. She didn't want to feel this way, didn't want to be comforted by Xie Feng's touch. But her body seemed to have other ideas...