Bound by Fate

10

Yueling's eyes fluttered closed, her body surrendering to exhaustion. But her mind refused to rest, plunging her into a dark and foreboding dreamworld.

In her dream, she saw herself walking through a desolate landscape, the sky above a deep, bloody red. Xie Feng appeared beside her, his eyes black as coal, his face twisted into a snarl.

"You'll never escape me," he growled, his voice like thunder.

Yueling tried to run, but her legs were heavy, her feet rooted to the spot. Xie Feng's hands closed around her throat, his grip like a vice.

She tried to scream, but her voice was silenced by some unseen force. Her vision faded to black, her body going limp...

Yueling's eyes fluttered open she woke with a start, her heart racing, her sheets drenched with sweat. The dream lingered, its darkness seeping into her waking thoughts. She knew she had to escape, before Xie Feng's obsession consumed her completely...

She then saw Xie Feng her gaze falling on Xie Feng's peaceful face. He lay beside her, his chest rising and falling with each slow breath, his dark hair tangled on the pillow.

For a moment, Yueling forgot to breathe, her heart caught in her throat. She hadn't expected to see him there, hadn't expected him to be so... vulnerable.

Xie Feng's eyes flickered open, his gaze locking onto hers with a sleepy intensity. "Yueling," he whispered, his voice husky with sleep.

Yueling's cheeks flushed, her pulse racing. She felt a strange sense of intimacy, as if they shared a secret only they understood.

Xie Feng's hand reached out, his fingers brushing against hers. "Don't leave me," he whispered, his eyes burning with a deep emotion.

In the Light Realm, Hua's fingers danced across the flute's holes, the sweet melody echoing through the halls. Her husband, Prince Li Wei, appeared beside her, his eyes shining with love and adoration.

Without a word, he leaned in, his lips brushing against Hua's in a tender kiss. Hua's heart fluttered, her music faltering.

Just as they broke apart, a guard called out, "Prince Li Wei, the council awaits!"

Hua's eyes widened, her mind racing. She couldn't be seen with her husband, not when she was supposed to be Yueling.

With a swift gesture, she changed her face, her features shifting to Yueling's. Prince Li Wei's eyes narrowed, but he smiled knowingly.

"My love," he whispered, before turning to leave. "I'll return soon."

As he disappeared into the crowd, Hua let out a sigh, her heart still racing. She hated keeping secrets from her husband, but their love was forbidden...

At the main hall ( light realm)

Prince Li Wei took a deep breath and revealed the truth to his father, "Father, I have something to confess. I didn't marry Yueling as planned. I married Hua, a fairy from the Light Realm, instead."

The Emperor's eyes widened in surprise, his face pale. "What is the meaning of this, Li Wei? You know the law! You were supposed to marry Yueling to secure the alliance with the Human Realm."

Prince Li Wei stood firm, his voice unwavering. "I love Hua, Father. And she loves me. We couldn't pretend to be something we're not. Yueling knew and understood, she left the realm to give us a chance."

The Emperor's expression turned from surprise to concern. "But Li Wei, Hua is just an ordinary fairy. She doesn't have the power or the status to be a princess. How will you explain this to the council?"

Prince Li Wei stood tall, his eyes locked on his father's. "I'll find a way, Father. I promise. But I won't abandon Hua. She's my wife, my love. And I believe she has qualities that make her extraordinary, even if she doesn't have magic or a title."

The Emperor sighed, his shoulders sagging. "I hope you know what you're doing, Li Wei. For your sake, and the sake of the realm."

Prince Li Wei nodded, his heart racing with anticipation. "I'll lead the army, Father. I won't let the Demon Emperor threaten our realm."

The Emperor placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "I know I can count on you, Li Wei. But be careful. The Demon Emperor is not to be underestimated."

Prince Li Wei smiled grimly. "I'll be careful, Father. I promise."

As the Emperor nodded, a commotion broke out outside the throne room. The doors burst open, and Hua, Prince Li Wei's wife, rushed in.

"Li Wei, I've had a vision!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with fear. "The Demon Emperor's army is not what it seems. There's something dark, something ancient, leading them."

Prince Li Wei's grip on his sword tightened. "What do you mean, Hua?"

Hua's voice trembled. "I saw a shadow, a presence that seemed to control the Demon Emperor himself. If we face them, we'll be facing something far more sinister than just an army."

The Emperor's face paled. "Then we must be prepared for the worst. Li Wei, take Hua with you. Her visions may be our only advantage in this war."

Prince Li Wei nodded, his mind racing with strategies. "Let's go, Hua. We have a war to win."