Far above, beyond the mortal world, Yueyao's soul drifted across a vast silver bridge that floated between stars. Below her stretched a river of light, the path of all souls waiting to be reborn.
She walked slowly, barefoot, the air cool and weightless. In her chest, the pain from her past life still lingered; her death, his voice, his blood, everything was so fresh in her mind.
The Moon Goddess appeared before her, tall, serene, her robes shimmering like starlight. "You offered your soul to the guardian, you are so kind and blessed," she said gently with admiration, " Now you must choose between these two paths, rebirth or eternal sleep."
" I want to return," Yueyao chose resolutely. Her voice was low but firm, "I made a vow that I will find the truth. I will make them pay for what they did to him, my child, and everyone else in my family..."
The goddess studied her for a long moment before speaking up, "Your wish defies the balance. Rebirth through vengeance carries a heavy cost. And you should know that, from rebirth, you will be cursed and have other consequences."
" I don't care, and I won't lie..." Yueyao whispered with determination, " Let the cost fall on me. I will bear it!"
The Moon Goddess lifted her hand, touching Yueyao's forehead, "Then remember, my child... You will awaken in a body not your own, in a time when even your name has faded. But your soul will remember everything, every wound, every promise, and every death."
A silver light suddenly spread across Yueyao's skin. She felt her essence unravel, her soul breaking into fragments before descending through the river of light.
The crimson moon shone once more, several years later.
— — — — — —
The family meeting in the Silver Fang clan was meant to be gentle, but instead it became a storm. Things weren't going the way they wanted them to.
Duke Yuwen sat at the head of the room, his face pale and drawn. Beside him, Madam Yuwen clutched her hands so tightly that the knuckles had whitened.
Ministers and advisers lined across the chamber, voices low and urgent. They had all come to urge the princess to break the engagement. It wasn't worth it and they could go into the battlefield if need be... They had strong soldiers, as much as the Crimson Howl clan was powerful, they weren't left behind, they didn't need this political marriage.
"You must not go," the Duke said again, voice strained with sadness, "Huo Tingxuan is an Alpha of a clan built on old blood. He is a dangerous man, he won't reciprocate your feelings, This marriage will cost us more than any alliance can ever repay. You are my only child.."
Madam Yuwen's eyes brimmed with tears and aches, "Our daughter is the light of this house. We will not send her to die for politics. We are strong enough to defend our territory, we don't need this political marriage."
An adviser cleared his throat, " The Crimson Howl will not be satisfied with mere appearances. If the Alpha accepts this as a bargain, then he will take what he wants. Remember the old treaties...."
Yueshuang stood in the doorway, listening keenly to what they were discussing. The silk of her robe whispered as she suddenly crossed the floor and everyone turned to face her.
"You told me to rest," she said softly, her voice calm but cold enough to still the room. "You told me I didn't have to go through with it, but you never once asked what I wanted."
Duke Yuwen rose from his seat, worried, but again sat back down," My child...."
"No. Father..." Her voice was calm, too calm, she had never been like this, "You do not understand me at all... I have grown up admiring the Alpha and I will tame him for myself. I will not live here hidden behind velvet and worry. If you keep me, I will die a slow death within these walls."
Madam Yuwen stepped forward, her tears falling freely, "You're bewitched!" she cried, her voice trembling. " This is not you, Shuang'er. You don't know what you're saying. That man… that Alpha… he will consume you. And don't forget, he has concubines..."
" I know exactly what I'm saying, and want," Yueshuang replied, her silver eyes flashing as she looked at them all. "I have dreamt of this since I was a child. You say you're protecting me, but all I see is a cage. I will not be your caged bird."
Duke Yuwen's hands trembled on the armrest of his chair, defeated by her daughter's stubbornness. "We're not caging you, my dear, we're saving you, my child," he said hoarsely, his voice heartbroken. "This marriage is nothing but blood and chains. He is not a man you can tame."
Yueshuang's lips, faintly curved, but her eyes were like cold steel, "Then you will bury me, first..." she said softly.