Xiang quietly retreated to her room, her heart pounding uncontrollably. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't calm the storm within her chest. Wen Shia's face flashed before her eyes, and an unfamiliar warmth coursed through her. Her heart fluttered at the mere thought of him, but she shook her head, unwilling to acknowledge the feelings that had started to bloom. "No, I can't let this happen," she whispered to herself. Yet, as she lay on her bed, her mind was consumed by thoughts of him. The night stretched long, her restlessness stealing her sleep.
In another part of the house, Wen Shia was equally preoccupied. He had made a promise to himself: he would do everything in his power to help Xiang regain her lost memories. The image of her fragile state haunted him, and he couldn't stand the thought of her suffering. An idea struck him—an old healer renowned for curing even the most impossible ailments. "If anyone can help, it's him," Wen thought. He shared his plan with his mother, who approved. "Take Xiang with you," she said. "This journey might bring her some peace as well."
As night deepened, Xiang fell into an uneasy sleep, only to be gripped by a terrifying nightmare. She woke with a scream, her body trembling and her breaths shallow. Outside her room, Wen Shia had been pacing, contemplating how to talk to her about his plan. Her scream jolted him, and he rushed into her room without hesitation.
Xiang, still caught in the haze of her nightmare, instinctively grabbed Wen Shia's hand and pulled him close, burying her face in his chest. Her body shook as tears streamed down her cheeks. "It's okay, Xiang," Wen said gently, his voice soothing like a calm river. "I'm here. It was just a bad dream. You're safe now."
Wen held her close, his arms protective and reassuring. For a moment, time seemed to pause as they stayed like that, drawing comfort from each other. Slowly, her breathing steadied, and Wen helped her lie back down. He sat by her side, holding her hand to reassure her. "I'll stay with you," he promised softly. "You're not alone."
The night passed quietly, but an unspoken connection lingered between them. As dawn approached, Xiang stirred awake. Her eyes fluttered open to find Wen Shia sitting nearby, his hand still holding hers. A surge of gratitude—and something deeper—welled up within her. Before she could think, she leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
Wen Shia's eyes opened in surprise, locking with hers. The world around them seemed to fade as they stared into each other's eyes, the moment heavy with emotions neither could put into words. Slowly, Xiang raised a hand, her fingers lightly brushing against his face. Wen Shia, recovering from his initial shock, gently held her hand, his gaze tender.
Just as their emotions threatened to overwhelm them, a knock at the door shattered the moment. Startled, Xiang tried to move away but stumbled, falling into Wen Shia's arms again. They froze, their faces inches apart. Wen carefully helped her stand, his touch lingering a moment longer than necessary.
Two maids entered the room with breakfast trays, their eyes widening at the scene. Embarrassed, Xiang pulled away and hurriedly excused herself, her cheeks flushed. She fled to the bathroom, leaving Wen Shia standing there, slightly flustered.
In the bathroom, Xiang stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her heart raced as she touched her lips, the memory of their closeness fresh in her mind. "What's happening to me?" she whispered, her cheeks burning. This was the first time she had felt so vulnerable—and so alive.
Far away, in the shadowy halls of his lair, Doming sat on his throne, his thoughts consumed by Xiang. His obsession with her had only grown, and he couldn't shake the memory of her defiance. Just then, one of his guards entered. "The Demon Lord has arrived to meet you," the guard announced.
Doming's lips curled into a cold smile. "Send him in."
The massive doors opened, and the Demon Lord Zhu Huan strode into the chamber, his aura of power filling the room. "Why have you summoned me?" he asked, his voice calm yet commanding.
Doming leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with malice. "We need to strike Heaven," he said. "This time, no mercy. We'll unleash an attack so devastating that even the gods will tremble. I want it destroyed completely."
Zhu Huan raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "If you had asked politely, I might have considered. But threats won't work on me," he said coldly.
Doming's temper flared. Rising to his feet, he ripped off his mask in a fit of rage. The sight of his true face made Zhu Huan falter, his expression shifting to one of fear. "My apologies, Lord Doming," he said, falling to his knees. "I didn't realize it was you beneath the mask."
Satisfied, Doming's lips twisted into a sinister grin. "Good. Then you'll do as I say. Prepare your army and strike Heaven with all your might. But first, I have another task for you. There's a girl named Xiang. Find her—and hurt her."
Zhu Huan's eyes flickered with unease, but he nodded. "As you wish, my lord," he said. The shadows seemed to deepen as Doming's laughter echoed through the chamber, his plans moving ever closer to fruition.