Qin Yanzhou's world was dim and blurred, a haze of pain and darkness clouding his mind. The cold stone floor pressed against his cheek as he struggled to breathe, every heartbeat pounding like a drum in his chest, reminding him of the wound that was slowly stealing his strength.
His vision flickered, but even in that haze, one image burned brighter than the rest—Wu Mei's cold, empty eyes staring back at him, the sharp knife in her hand, the silent betrayal that cut deeper than any blade.
He forced himself to move, slow and agonizing, the blood pooling beneath him a grim reminder of the price he had paid. But despite the pain, his spirit refused to break.
"I will save you… no matter what it takes," he whispered hoarsely, clutching the wound as if his sheer will could hold the wound closed.
The cave, once echoing with the sounds of battle and despair, fell eerily silent.
Dracon stood over Wu Mei, the dark magic that bound her still swirling faintly in the air like a mist. His cold hand rested on her shoulder, guiding her toward the exit of the cavern.
Wu Mei's steps were mechanical, her mind a battlefield between her true self and the dark spell that gripped her.
Inside, a spark of resistance flared—faint but stubborn—pushing against the shadows that threatened to consume her.
I'm still me, she thought desperately, somewhere deep inside.
But every time she tried to break free, the magic tightened like iron chains.
Dracon's voice echoed in her mind, persuasive and cruel.
"Soon, Wu Mei, you will see there is no need to resist. We belong to each other now."
Wu Mei clenched her fists, teeth grinding, fighting the invisible force pulling her toward darkness.
Shao Wei and Zhao Xi, their faces grim with urgency, each took one of Qin Yanzhou's arms and lifted his bloodied body from the cold stone floor.
His strength was fading fast, but their determination didn't waver. With Zhao Xi supporting his left side and Shao Wei gripping his right, they dragged him through the winding corridors of Dracon's lair. The shadows seemed to close in around them, but they didn't stop.
Wu Mei's haunting last words echoed in Yanzhou's mind, breaking his heart. Just as Dracon vanished with Wu Mei into darkness, the two friends escaped the cursed place with Yanzhou barely breathing.
In the forest, Qin Yanzhou's companions worked swiftly to staunch his wound, the urgency clear on their faces.
Zhao Xi tore strips from his shirt to create makeshift bandages, pressing firmly against the injury.
"We need to get him to a healer," Zhao Xi said, voice tight with worry.
Shao Wei nodded, her gaze scanning the forest for any sign of nearby villages.
"We must move quickly. Dracon will not wait for us to heal."
Qin Yanzhou's eyes fluttered open, and he tried to speak.
"Wu Mei… she's still inside…" he whispered weakly.
"We will find her," Shao Wei promised, a fierce determination burning in her eyes.
Meanwhile, the journey to Dracon's castle was swift and silent.
Wu Mei sat stiffly on a sleek black horse, her dark gown flowing behind her like a shadow.
Dracon rode beside her, his presence both commanding and unsettling.
The castle loomed ahead—an imposing fortress of black stone and jagged towers, wrapped in swirling mist and guarded by dark sentinels.
Wu Mei's heart pounded—not with fear, but with a yearning to break free.
She watched the swirling clouds above, drawing strength from the storm that mirrored her turmoil.
When they reached the massive gates, they opened without a sound, welcoming them into the cold embrace of the fortress.
Inside the castle, the halls were dimly lit by flickering torches, their flames casting long shadows on the cold stone walls.
Dracon led Wu Mei through winding corridors adorned with dark tapestries and ancient symbols.
Finally, they arrived at a heavy wooden door.
Dracon pushed it open, revealing a spacious chamber illuminated by a roaring fireplace.
The room was decorated with opulent yet somber furniture—velvet drapes, ornate mirrors, and a large four-poster bed draped in black silk.
He motioned for Wu Mei to enter.
"Your new home," he said softly, his voice a rare whisper of tenderness.
Wu Mei hesitated, the weight of her captivity settling over her like a shroud.
Dracon stepped closer, reaching out to gently cup Wu Mei's face.
His fingers traced the sharp lines of her cheek, his touch both possessive and eerily tender.
"You are beautiful," he murmured, eyes locked onto hers. "More beautiful than any bride I have ever seen."
Wu Mei's breath hitched, the conflict within her raging silently.
"Why are you doing this?" she asked quietly.
Dracon's smile deepened, a dangerous glint in his eyes.
"In three days, we will marry. You and I. Bound not only by magic but by a destiny only we can fulfill."
Wu Mei's heart sank.
"Three days… and then I'm yours."
"Yes," he said firmly. "And there will be no turning back."
That night, Wu Mei lay on the cold bed, her mind a whirlwind of emotions.
She closed her eyes, willing the magic inside her to release its hold.
But the darkness was relentless, a shadow swallowing the light within her.
Tears slipped down her cheeks as she whispered to herself, Please, don't let this be the end of me.
She clutched the blanket tightly, the room's silence pressing in around her.
Suddenly, a faint warmth spread from her chest—her own fire, flickering weakly but stubbornly.
I will fight, she promised silently.
In the forest clearing, Qin Yanzhou rested against a fallen tree, his body weak but his spirit unyielding.
Shao Wei and Zhao Xi kept watch as he recovered, their faces etched with worry and resolve.
"We can't wait long," Shan Yu said quietly. "Dracon is dangerous, and Wu Mei is not herself."
Qin Yanzhou clenched his fists. "I will find a way to bring her back."
Zhao Xi placed a steady hand on his shoulder. "We will stand with you."
Qin Yanzhou nodded, determination blazing in his eyes despite the pain.
No matter the darkness, he thought, I will save my wife.
Three days remained—three days until the shadow of Dracon's castle would claim Wu Mei completely.
But in the depths of her soul, the fire still burned.
The battle was just beginning.