Bound by Fate

12

Just as Yueling was trying to process what had just happened with Xie Feng, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was Yue, her loyal friend and companion.

"Yue! Where have you been?" Yueling exclaimed, rushing to her side.

Yue's expression was grim. "I was thrown by the Demon Emperor himself," she said, her voice low. "I had to recover myself these past few days. I'm afraid I wasn't much help to you, Yueling."

Yueling's eyes widened in shock. "The Demon Emperor? What happened?"

Yue's face twisted in anger. "He discovered I was spying on him, and he punished me for it. But I'm back now, and I won't let him hurt you again."

Yueling's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you, Yue. I don't know what I would do without you."

Yue smiled, her eyes softening. "You'll never have to find out, Yueling. I'll always be here for you."

Together, the two friends shared a moment of solidarity, their bond stronger than ever. But as they stood there, Yueling couldn't shake off the feeling that Xie Feng's powers were still lingering, watching her...

As they entered Yueling's chamber, Yue suddenly looked around cautiously, then smiled mischievously. "I think it's safe now," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

And with that, her body began to shift and change. Her height decreased, her features softened, and her hair grew longer and more curly. In a matter of seconds, Yue transformed into a cute 9-year-old girl, looking up at Yueling with big, sparkling eyes.

Yueling couldn't help but laugh in surprise. "Yue, you little scamp! Why did you do that?"

The little girl who was once Yue grinned impishly. "I wanted to see if I could still do it! And besides, it's been ages since I've been this young. It's kind of fun!"

Yueling chuckled, shaking her head. "You're impossible, Yue. But I'm glad you're feeling better after what happened with the Demon Emperor."

The little girl's expression turned serious, her eyes clouding over. "Don't worry about me, Yueling. I'll always be here to protect you. No matter what form I take."

Yueling's heart swelled with affection for her loyal friend. "I know, Yue.

Yueling smiled, feeling a surge of affection for her young friend. "Come here, Yue," she said, beckoning the little girl closer.

Yue skipped over to Yueling, who gently took her hair and began to braid it into two little Chinese ponytails. Yue giggled as Yueling's fingers worked through her hair, her eyes shining with delight.

"There, all done!" Yueling said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. Yue looked adorable, her hair tied up in two little pigtails with red ribbons.

Yue twirled around, her pigtails bouncing with each movement. "I feel like a real little girl now!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Yueling laughed, feeling happy to see her friend so carefree. "You are a real little girl, Yue," she said, ruffling Yue's hair. "At least, for now."

Yue grinned mischievously. "Don't worry, Yueling. I'll still be able to protect you, even in this form."

Yueling smiled, knowing that Yue's powers and abilities didn't depend on her physical form. "I know, Yue. I'm just glad to have you by my side, no matter what."

Just as Yueling and Yue were enjoying their playful moment, a maid entered the room, bowing respectfully. "Your Highness, you are summoned to the main hall," she said, her voice formal.

Yue's eyes locked onto Yueling's, and she nodded subtly. "I'll be back in a few days," she whispered, before transforming into a sleek black cat.

The cat, formerly Yue, darted out of the room, disappearing into the shadows. Yueling watched her go, knowing that Yue would be safe in her feline form.

The maid, oblivious to the transformation, waited patiently for Yueling's response. "I will be there," Yueling said, her voice firm, before following the maid out of the room.

As she walked to the main hall, Yueling couldn't help but wonder what the summons was about, and what dangers or opportunities lay ahead. But with Yue watching over her from the shadows, she felt a sense of reassurance that she could face whatever came next.

Yueling entered the main hall, her heart pounding in her chest. She saw Xie Feng and the Demon Emperor seated on their thrones, their faces stern and serious.

"Ah, Yueling," the Demon Emperor said, his voice dripping with malice. "I see you're punctual. Good."

Yueling bowed, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. "What is the meaning of this summons, Your Imperial Majesty?"

The Demon Emperor leaned forward, his eyes glinting with excitement. "There will be a war, Yueling. A war between our realm and the Light Realm."

Yueling's heart skipped a beat. She had feared this moment for so long.

Xie Feng spoke up, his voice smooth as silk. "And you, Yueling, will play a crucial role in our victory."

Yueling's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

The Demon Emperor smiled, his teeth razor-sharp. "You will be our ambassador to the Light Realm. You will go there, and you will convince them to surrender."

Yueling's mind reeled in horror. She knew that the Light Realm would never surrender, and that this was just a ploy to get her into their midst, to use her as a pawn in their game of war.

"I won't do it," she said, her voice firm.

Xie Feng's eyes flashed with anger, but the Demon Emperor just laughed. "Oh, I think you will," he said, his voice dripping with menace. "You will do exactly as we say, or suffer the consequences."