Beneath the night sky, a crescent moon hung like blood over the capital, casting a tense aura over the streets. Avril stood at the tall window of the imperial study, gripping the Flame Scepter, her gaze cold as she stared ahead—the crimson moon's afterglow fell on the abandoned monastery on the outskirts, where traces of the last remnants of the "Crimson Moon Covenant" had been spotted.Lucian rushed in with Mei Xia, reporting urgently: "Your Highness, the remaining Crimson Moon followers have gathered at the abandoned monastery, planning to restart the Bone-Splitting Ritual tomorrow night. If we don't eliminate them first, the people's trust may be stained once more."Avril's eyes blazed like fire: "Their gathering night will be their end. Tonight, follow me to personally lead the attack and uproot the last rot."
Night Battle of Nether Flames
She donned black-gold light armor, her cape fluttering, and led three hundred fire riders and Silver Oath shadow guards to sneak over the city walls. In the desolate monastery, low chants echoed through the corridors; embers still smoldered on broken ash altars, and priests holding crimson moon blades formed a blood circle. At Avril's command, red and white holy light clashed with fire trails—the scepter sliced through incantations, reducing Bone-Splitting fragments to dust. Lucian charged into the center, his silver sword severing a priest's head, blood glinting in the moonlight. The remaining followers wailed, kneeling to beg for mercy.
Reclaiming Faith
The ritual was utterly dismantled. After tossing the crimson moon blades into the flames, Avril stepped to the altar's center and declared in a deep voice: "Let blood be our witness—faith shall no longer be forged from fear. Today, we sever the Crimson Moon curse, returning belief to the light!" She nailed the newly issued "Faith Revival Edict" to the temple door: all blood sacrifices abolished, "Faith Altars" to replace ancient barbarities. Silver Oath knights sounded the victory horn; fire riders and shadow guards cheered in unison, war and holy light weaving a vivid tapestry of triumph.
Bloody Embrace After Rain
On their return, a sudden night rain fell—torrential snowmelt danced with blood-red moonlight. Avril and Lucian stood side by side in the Spring Pavilion, raindrops battering the lanterns, yet failing to douse the lingering heat of battle. Lucian removed his rain cloak and draped it over her, his voice low: "Your Highness, the night's terror has passed. May I warm you with a kiss?"She smiled and nodded, looping her arms around his neck, fingers undoing his cloak clasps. Flame Scepter and holy light badge glinted through the mist; their lips, tongues, and fingertips merged again, dissolving the pain of cold nights and bloody battle in the fiercest passion.