A love written in blood

Scarlet Moon, Jade Tears

Chapter 5: A Love Written in Blood

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Scene 1: The Chains That Bind

Yun Qingru awoke in a dark, cold chamber. The scent of damp stone and burning incense filled the air. Her wrists were bound with silk restraints—not out of kindness, but as a reminder that she was a prized possession, not a prisoner.

A soft chuckle echoed in the dim candlelight.

"Did you really think you could escape, Lady Yun?"

The Empress Dowager stepped forward, her expression unreadable.

"You disappointed me," she continued. "I had hoped you were wise enough to accept your fate."

Yun’s jaw tightened. "I will never belong to this palace."

The Empress Dowager sighed. "Oh, child… You already do. The moment you entered the Emperor’s harem, your fate was sealed."

She leaned in, her voice barely a whisper. "If you try to defy the Emperor again, I will not just kill Wei Lijun. I will erase his family, his friends, his very name from history. His existence will be nothing but ashes in the wind."

Yun’s nails dug into her palms. She had no weapons, no allies, no power—but she still had her mind.

She met the Empress Dowager’s gaze. "If you touch him, I swear… I will bring this entire empire to ruin."

For a brief moment, something flickered in the older woman’s eyes—amusement, perhaps even respect.

Then she smiled. "We shall see, my dear."

She turned to the guards. "Prepare her. The Emperor will visit her tonight."

Yun’s heart pounded as they dragged her away.

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Scene 2: The Assassin’s Blade

Far from the palace, at the empire’s border, Wei Lijun stood on the cliffs overlooking the battlefield.

The wind carried the scent of steel and blood. The soldiers under his command were restless—they knew this mission was a death trap.

But Wei had no intention of dying tonight.

As the sun set, the air grew eerily silent. His instincts screamed at him—danger.

Then, from the shadows—they came.

Figures cloaked in black, moving without sound—imperial assassins.

Wei barely had time to draw his sword before the first blade sliced toward his throat. He dodged, countering with a sharp strike, cutting through the darkness.

More came. Five. No, ten.

This was no ordinary execution. The Emperor wanted to make sure he never returned.

Steel clashed against steel, sparks flying as he fought with everything he had. His wounds from the palace still ached, but he had no time for pain.

One assassin slipped through his guard, slashing his arm. He gritted his teeth, driving his sword through the man’s chest.

More blood. More bodies.

But they kept coming.

A dagger whistled through the air—aimed for his heart.

Wei braced for the impact—

Then, suddenly—

A silver arrow shot through the darkness, striking the assassin in the throat.

Wei’s eyes widened.

Only one person shot with such precision.

"Yun…?"

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Scene 3: A Dangerous Reunion

Wei turned, his breath catching.

Through the mist, a cloaked figure emerged, a bow still raised—Yun Qingru.

She looked exhausted, her silk robes torn, her hair loose from its usual elegant style. But her eyes…

They still held the same fire.

"You're late," Wei smirked, wiping blood from his blade.

Yun scoffed. "You looked like you needed help."

Before he could respond, she stumbled, barely staying on her feet. Wei caught her just in time.

"You’re hurt," he murmured.

"I had to escape the palace." Her voice was weak, but her grip on his sleeve was strong. "The Emperor… he won’t stop until you’re dead."

Wei’s expression hardened. "Then we end this. Together."

She nodded, determination in her gaze.

For the first time in what felt like forever, they weren’t just running from fate—they were fighting back.

Under the scarlet moon, with blood on their hands and fire in their hearts, their story was far from over.

It was just beginning.

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End of Chapter 5.

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