The Silver Talon
The night grew colder as Lin Yue and Shen Wei approached the outskirts of Xiangcheng, where the streets were narrower and shadows deeper. Lanterns burned faintly, struggling against the fog that slithered through the alleys like a living creature.
Shen Wei's eyes scanned every corner. "Cai Jun has moved. He will strike soon, and he brings more than hunters this time."
Lin Yue's heart pounded. "More than hunters? What do you mean?"
Shen Wei's jaw tightened. "Rogues—creatures who have broken from the old families. They are unpredictable, violent, and loyal only to themselves. And tonight, they hunt the marked."
Ahead, a faint glint caught Lin Yue's eye. Silver, sharp, and glimmering in the crimson moonlight. She realized with a jolt: a talon-shaped weapon embedded in the ground, partially hidden among the cobblestones.
"The Silver Talon," Shen Wei said under his breath. "A symbol of Cai Jun's faction. Whoever wields it commands fear. And he plans to use it tonight."
Lin Yue stepped closer, her senses alert. The talon seemed to pulse with an energy that resonated with her own awakened blood, tugging at her awareness. A strange thrill ran through her, equal parts fear and excitement.
"We cannot let him get it," she said firmly.
Shen Wei nodded. "And we won't. But we must be cautious. The Silver Talon is both weapon and lure. He's expecting someone to try and take it—and he will be ready."
Suddenly, a soft rustle echoed from the rooftops above. Lin Yue's blood sang with instinct; she could feel movement before it even became visible. From the darkness, a figure dropped silently, landing in front of the talon. Cai Jun.
His eyes glimmered with malice and amusement. "So, the moon's chosen comes to claim the Silver Talon herself," he said smoothly. "How bold… and foolish."
Shen Wei stepped in front of Lin Yue, protective and alert. "She is not a child to toy with, Cai Jun. Step back."
Cai Jun's lips curved into a sharp smile. "We shall see, Shen Wei. The city itself will decide whose blood is stronger tonight."
Lin Yue felt the pulse of her bloodline thrumming in response. The crimson moon bathed the street in a red glow, and she understood the challenge before her: not just a fight for survival, but a battle of destiny. The Silver Talon was more than a weapon—it was the key to power, and Cai Jun would not yield easily.
She clenched her fists, feeling the energy of Xiangcheng and her bloodline surge through her. "Then we end this now," she said, determination igniting in her voice.
Shen Wei's eyes met hers, proud and resolute. "Yes. Together."
The fog swirled around them, and the night held its breath. The Silver Talon waited, and Xiangcheng's streets were poised for the clash of bloodlines beneath the crimson moon.