Chapter 20: Crimson Vows
The air turned sharp, thick with ancient power. The demon lord's gaze fell on Ying Yue, and for a moment, something twisted behind his fury—recognition, obsession, loss.
"You wore that face the day you destroyed me," he said, stepping forward.
Ying Yue's knees weakened, but she stood firm. "And I would do it again."
A snarl escaped his throat. "You stole everything from me—your power, your heart... and gave it to him." His eyes flicked to Bai Jiu.
Bai Jiu stepped protectively in front of her, blade raised. "She gave you mercy, and you shattered it."
The demon laughed. "Still pretending to be mortal, Xie Changye? Still hiding behind guilt?"
Ying Yue froze. "Xie… Changye?"
Bai Jiu's breath caught. The truth unraveled at last.
"It's you," she whispered. "You were the one from my visions. My—"
"Enough," Bai Jiu said softly. "Yes, I was once that man. I thought if I stayed hidden, you could live a peaceful life. But fate… doesn't forget."
Tears welled in her eyes, not from fear—but from recognition, love resurfacing through time.
"I would have loved you," she said, voice trembling, "in any life."
The demon let out a roar, energy blasting outward. "Then die together!"
But Ying Yue stepped forward, silver flames spiraling from her palms. "I remember everything now," she said. "And I will not lose you again."