The Mad Ҡìղց

The Love Curse

The halls of Lotus Pier were alive with an unnatural energy, the air humming with tension. Wei Ying paused briefly as Jiang Cheng stumbled away from the main hall, his usual composure shattered.

"Cheng," Wei Ying's voice softened, his usually playful tone replaced with genuine concern. "What happened?"

Jiang Cheng's hands trembled, his nails digging into his palms. "Mother—she's done something. And Father..." His voice broke, his gaze darting toward the darkened corridor. "He's gone. The wind—it just... took him."

"Where's your mother now?" Wei Ying asked, his voice steady but urgent.

"She's... back there," Jiang Cheng gestured vaguely, his steps faltering. "But whatever she did, it's not natural. There's something wrong, something dark."

Wei Ying nodded firmly, his expression unreadable. "I'll find her." He turned swiftly, his robes billowing as he strode toward the corridors.

"Wait!" Jiang Cheng grabbed his arm, desperation etched across his face. "You don't understand. She's not herself. If you go."

Wei Ying interrupted, his voice sharp yet steady. "We'll figure this out together.

"You don't understand," Cheng hissed, his eyes burning with fear. "Mother summoned something dark. She didn't blink when Father was swallowed by the wind. Imagine what she'd do to you." His voice was low but urgent, the tension palpable.

Wei Ying met his gaze, unwavering. "I need to find Wanji."

Cheng's lips twisted, the air thick with unsaid words. "I'll look for my wife too." Without waiting for a reply, he turned and vanished into the gloom, leaving Wei Ying to wrestle with his thoughts. The chill in the air deepened as they both disappeared into the corridor.

The forest stretched endlessly, a labyrinth of shadows and whispers. Ayana stood at the center of it all, her hair glowing like starlight, her eyes swirling in hues of deep purple. The air was thick with magic, pulsating with an energy that neither Salomi nor Niobe could escape.

"What is she doing?" Salomi's voice trembled, a chill creeping into her core as she watched Ayana's eerie smile grow.

"I don't care," Niobe said, his voice hard with defiance. "Her magic can't work on us."

Ayana's laughter echoed through the trees like a bell ringing in the stillness. Without warning, she extended her hand, and Salomi gasped as invisible fingers closed around her throat. She began to choke, her breath catching in her lungs, her hands clawing at the air in desperation.

Niobe surged forward, but before he could reach Ayana, force-like steel slammed him back. He crashed to the ground, his body colliding with the earth.

Salomi screamed, her cries echoing through the trees, as she writhed in pain. "Please, Ayana, stop! Help me!" she begged between ragged breaths.

"Let her go now, or I'll kill you myself," Niobe growled from where he lay.

Ayana's giggle was light, almost taunting. "I'd like to see you try," she teased, her gaze fixed on Niobe, savoring the tension in the air. Salomi twisted in agony, her body contorting with each breath.

"Please... Ayana.. let her go," Niobe pleaded, his voice softening with desperation as he crawled toward her.

Ayana tilted her head, her purple eyes glinting with amusement. "Tell me, who put you up to this? Who is behind all of this?"

Niobe swallowed hard, his throat tight. "Wen Ruohan," he whispered, his voice heavy with reluctance.

Ayana raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly did he do for your family?"