Twins Beneath the Moon
The night air in Bunei Garden was heavy with the scent of crushed leaves and blood.
Xiao Xing struggled to remain standing. His vision blurred, his grip on the sword weakening, yet his stance remained firm. Survival had long since stopped being a choice — it was instinct.
The young noble before him studied him in silence.
Moonlight washed over the stranger's face, illuminating sharp brows, calm eyes, and a bearing that spoke of discipline and authority. His robes were elegant, but his posture was that of a warrior who had been trained since childhood.
"I asked you a question," the noble said evenly.
"Who are you?"
Xiao Xing swallowed.
"…IN," he replied.
The noble's eyes flickered.
"IN?" he repeated. "That is not a name one chooses lightly."
Xiao Xing let out a weak, humorless laugh.
"Neither is fate."
Before the noble could respond, the sound of rushing footsteps echoed through the garden.
Torches flared.
Steel rang.
The High Priestess emerged from the shadows, her robes flowing like dark water behind her. Dozens of assassins surrounded the garden, blades gleaming beneath the moon.
Her gaze fell upon the wounded youth.
"So you really did make it here," Nae Yi said softly.
"Second Prince."
The noble stiffened.
"Second… Prince?" he echoed, his voice low.
Xiao Xing's eyes widened.
"What is she talking about?"
Nae Yi smiled — slow, triumphant.
"Heaven is truly amusing," she said. "To think both cursed children would stand before me on the same night."
She turned to the noble.
"Your Highness," she said mockingly, "you know me."
Xae Rin's jaw tightened.
"Nae Yi," he said. "Step back. This is my garden."
"Your garden?" she laughed. "Tonight, it is Heaven's altar."
She raised her hand.
"Kill the wounded one first."
The assassins surged forward.
Xae Rin drew his sword in a single smooth motion and stepped in front of Xiao Xing.
"No one touches him."
The assassins hesitated.
Nae Yi's smile vanished.
"Move aside, Your Highness," she said coldly. "Or you will share his fate."
Xae Rin did not move.
"I don't know who he is," he said, his voice steady, "but anyone who sheds blood in this place answers to me."
Xiao Xing stared at his back — confused, shaken.
"Why?" he whispered. "You don't even know me."
Xae Rin did not turn.
"Because," he said quietly, "for some reason… I feel that if you fall here tonight, something irreplaceable will be lost."
For the first time, Nae Yi's expression twisted.
"Enough!"
She gave the signal.
The assassins attacked.
Steel clashed violently as Xae Rin fought with controlled precision, his movements elegant yet lethal. Xiao Xing forced himself back into motion, striking from the side whenever an opening appeared. Wounded or not, his blows were savage.
They fought back-to-back.
Twin blades. Twin shadows
Then it happened.
An assassin broke through Xae Rin's guard.
Xiao Xing saw it — the angle, the speed, the killing intent.
"Move!" he shouted.
Too late.
Xiao Xing threw himself forward.
The blade pierced deep into his side.
Blood spilled onto the garden stones.
Xae Rin caught him as he collapsed.
"Why…?" Xae Rin breathed, panic finally breaking through his composure.
Xiao Xing's lips trembled into a faint smile.
"Seems… I chose the wrong night… to die."
As he slumped forward, his collar shifted.
Moonlight revealed a faint scar at the base of his neck.
Xae Rin froze.
His hand trembled as he reached up — touching his own neck.
The same scar.
The world shattered.
"No…" Xae Rin whispered. "That's impossible…"
Laughter rang out.
Nae Yi clapped slowly.
"So you finally see it," she said.
"Twin princes. One born to rule… the other born to die."
Before she could continue —
A violent wind roared through the garden.
A figure descended from above, sword flashing like lightning.
Bai Li.
His blade cut down three assassins in a breath.
"Step away from my student," he growled.
Nae Yi leaped back, her expression darkening.
"So you came after all," she said. "Too late."
Bai Li knelt beside Xiao Xing, pressing his hand against the wound.
"He still lives," he said grimly.
Xae Rin looked up at him, eyes burning.
"Who is he?" he demanded. "Tell me the truth."
Bai Li met his gaze.
"…He is your brother."
Thunder rolled across the sky.
Imperial soldiers flooded into the garden, surrounding the assassins.
Nae Yi stepped back into the shadows, her voice echoing coldly.
"Heaven has not chosen yet," she said.
"When the time comes… only one of you will remain."
Then she vanished.
Xae Rin knelt beside Xiao Xing, gripping his hand.
"You're not dying," he said fiercely. "Not tonight."
Xiao Xing chuckled weakly.
"…Brother," he murmured, the word unfamiliar yet right.
Above them, the moon bore silent witness as destiny finally revealed its hand.