Moonlit Hearts

Chapiter 46: The Beast Within

The battlefield erupted into chaos as Vali raised his hand, and shadows surged like a tidal wave. Figures cloaked in obsidian armor materialized from the dark, their weapons glowing with an eerie energy. With ruthless precision, they clashed with Odin's forces, an unstoppable force that tore through the battlefield.

Wangji tightened his grip on Bichen as the Vali moved forward, his presence commanding. The elite guard charged, blades flashing, but the figure sidestepped with unnatural grace, sending the soldier crashing to the ground with a single strike.

"Lan Wangji," Vali called, his voice sharp and authoritative. "Get out of my way."

Wangji's body tensed at the arrogance in the man's tone. He wouldn't stand aside, not when faced with such defiance.

Vali glanced back, his expression unreadable. "If you want to fight, do it where it matters. Get inside the palace. This battlefield isn't yours anymore."

The ground trembled as dark energy swirled around him, and his army surged forward, pushing Odin's forces back with relentless force.

Wei Ying appeared at Wangji's side, his flute tightly clutched. "Lan Zhan," he murmured, his voice low but firm. "We should go."

Wangji hesitated, torn between the battle raging behind them and the dangers that awaited inside the palace.

"He's right," Wen Qing added, moving to steady Wen Ning, whose hands trembled as he clutched his blade. "We need to regroup."

Wei Ying pressed, his tone insistent. "Inside, now. We'll plan from there. Please, Lan Zhan."

After a moment of internal conflict, Wangji gave a curt nod. Together, they moved toward the palace, slipping through the grand doors as the battle raged on behind them.

The silence inside the palace was stark, and oppressive in its stillness compared to the chaos outside. Polished floors reflected the faint glow of enchanted torches as they moved through the grand halls.

Wen Ning stumbled, and Wen Qing steadied him.

Wei Ying turned to Wangji. "Do you think we can trust him?"

Wangji took a moment before answering, his thoughts still clouded by the battle and the voice that had lingered in his mind. "I do not trust him," he said finally, his voice steady, "but his strength cannot be denied."

Wen Qing exhaled wearily. "He's Odin's brother. He's saved us twice now. I think it's clear where his allegiance lies. We need to focus on what's next, not what we can't control."

But as Wangji stepped forward, a sharp pain pierced his skull. He staggered, clutching his temple as the world around him blurred.

"Lan Zhan!" Wei Ying was at his side instantly, gripping Wangji's arms. "What's wrong?"

Wangji tried to steady himself, but the pain only intensified, a searing agony that felt as though it were tearing him apart from the inside. He collapsed to his knees, his breath coming in shallow gasps.

"Lan Zhan!" Wei Ying's voice was frantic, but distant, as if muffled by the pounding in Wangji's head.

The voice in his mind grew louder, more insistent. *You can't keep me locked away anymore.*

"No," Wangji whispered, his voice strained as he clutched his skull, trying to hold himself together.

Wei Ying knelt beside him, his hands gently cupping Wangji's face. "What's happening? Talk to me, Lan Zhan!"

But Wangji couldn't respond. Memories—long buried—surfaced, a flood of darkness, rage, and the beast within him that he had fought so hard to suppress.