WebNovels

Chapter 28 - Chapter 28: Prisoner of the Throne

The stench of blood still hung heavy on the battlefield as Lin Xi, her body weary, followed the triumphant Wolf Clan army back to the royal capital. Lucifer's forced mark burned like a fire within her, each breath bringing a searing pain. The Blood Clan's whispered words—"Break free from your chains"—coiled like a venomous snake deep within her mind.

The victory banquet erupted in the Hunting Hall, its clamor deafening. Lucifer sat enthroned, his subjects prostrate at his feet. His crimson eyes swept the crowd, finally settling on Lin Xi in the corner. She wore that black robe with silver patterns, as if seeking to merge with the shadows.

"Shadowblade," Lucifer's voice cut through the clamor, carrying an irresistible force. "Come."

All eyes instantly focused on her. Lin Xi clenched the dagger "Bone-Eater" hidden within her sleeve, stepping toward the throne. With each approach, the burning sensation of the mark within her intensified.

Lucifer reached out, pulling her onto the throne and drawing her forcefully into his embrace. The potent alpha pheromones mingled with the scent of blood, enveloping her and resonating with the restless energy within her.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Lucifer raised his goblet, his crimson eyes scanning the room, "a toast to our sharpest blade—Shadowblade!"

Deafening cheers erupted. Lin Xi was forced against his chest, feeling the vibrations radiating from his chest. His fingers casually traced the mark on her neck, sending a shiver through her.

"Your Majesty," she tried to pull away, "I need to rest."

"Rest here," Lucifer's arms tightened like iron bands, his fangs grazing her earlobe. "My throne is your place."

The banquet lasted into the night. When the last drunken general departed, the Hunting Hall finally fell silent. Lucifer still held Lin Xi tightly, his fingertips lightly tracing her arm.

"Know why I brought you to the front lines?" His deep voice echoed through the empty hall.

Lin Xi remained silent.

"I wanted everyone to see," his fingers suddenly tightened, nearly digging into her flesh, "who you belong to."

Just then, a familiar icy energy once again attempted to invade her consciousness. This time it was stronger than ever before, carrying an irresistible call:

"'The Vessel'... The new moon approaches... Return to the embrace of the Blood Clan..."

Lin Xi's body stiffened violently.

Lucifer immediately sensed her disturbance. "Those rats again?" His voice froze instantly.

Before Lin Xi could respond, he suddenly pinned her down onto the throne, his heavy weight crushing her until she could barely breathe. His crimson pupils burned in the darkness, radiating savage possessiveness.

"Seems my mark wasn't deep enough." He tore open her black robe, sinking his fangs into the unhealed wound on her shoulder.

"Ugh!" Lin Xi curled up in agony as the Chaos energy, provoked by the mark, lashed out violently.

Lucifer forcibly channeled more Alpha energy into her body, dark-gold patterns glowing fiercely beneath her skin. The two forces collided violently, bringing overwhelming agony and ecstasy.

"Remember this pain," he growled in her ear, his scorching breath on her sensitive skin, "Remember who controls everything about you!"

When the marking was complete, Lin Xi collapsed onto the throne like a broken doll, the newly formed wolf patterns spreading from her shoulders to her waist. Lucifer traced the glowing lines, watching them shimmer in the darkness with satisfaction.

"Now," he pinched her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze, "tell me what those rats said."

Lin Xi's lips trembled as two forces raged within her. The Blood Clan's call and Lucifer's mark tore at her soul.

Just as she was about to speak, the Hunting Hall doors burst open. A scout, covered in blood, stumbled in:

"Your Majesty! The Blood Clan's army... they've bypassed the eastern defenses and are charging straight for the royal city! Leading them... is the 'Lord of Shadows'!"

Lucifer's pupils contracted sharply. He rose slowly, his crimson gaze sweeping over the trembling Lin Xi upon the throne before settling on the scout.

"Herald," his voice cold as polar ice, "prepare the entire army for battle."

He turned, casting one final glance at Lin Xi, his fangs glinting coldly in the moonlight.

"As for you, my vessel..." his voice carried a chilling tenderness, "it is time to make your choice."

[Warning: Alpha Forced Marking Progress 89%]

[Cognitive Barrier Remaining: 3%]

[Vampiric Summoning Intensity: Extreme]

Lin Xi curled up on the throne, feeling the fragile equilibrium within her body teetering on collapse. Lucifer's mark and the vampiric call fought like two venomous serpents, engaging in a final, brutal battle deep within her soul.

In the distance, the faint sound of the vampire army's trumpets could already be heard.

More Chapters