Morning light spread slowly across the vast Demon Palace, painting the black stone walls in soft shades of gold. The night's banquet was over, but its consequences had only begun.
Inside the private chamber of the Shadow Emperor, Li Feng stood silently before Mo Zhu.
Mo Zhu sat upon a low seat near the window, one leg crossed over the other, his long black robes flowing like shadows around him. He did not need to ask why Li Feng had come. He could already sense it.
Li Feng's eyes were calm.
Certain.
"I want them to stay," Li Feng said.
Mo Zhu did not respond immediately.
Li Feng continued.
"Not just Bai Chenxi…"
He paused briefly.
"…Bai Yuchen as well."
Mo Zhu's lips curved slightly.
"I was already planning the same."
Their eyes met.
There was no hesitation between them.
No doubt.
They had ruled together for centuries. They understood each other without needing explanations.
Mo Zhu stood.
"Then let us make it official."
Soon after, the great hall of the Demon Palace filled once again.
Mo Zhu and Li Feng sat upon their thrones.
Below them stood Bai Xueyin, Bai Chenxi, and Bai Yuchen.
They stood respectfully, though a trace of unease lingered in their eyes. Mortals standing before beings who had lived for centuries could never remain completely calm.
Mo Zhu's voice echoed through the hall.
"Today, the Princess of the Central Kingdom will return to her homeland."
Bai Xueyin lowered her head respectfully.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Mo Zhu continued.
"But before you leave… I have a request."
She lifted her head slightly.
"What is it, Your Majesty?"
Mo Zhu's gaze shifted.
Directly toward Bai Chenxi.
Then toward Bai Yuchen.
"Bai Chenxi and Bai Yuchen will remain here."
Silence fell.
Bai Xueyin's eyes widened slightly.
"My brothers… will stay?"
A faint concern entered her voice.
"Then… what about my safety on the journey home?"
Mo Zhu spoke calmly.
"You need not worry. I will assign elite guards to escort you safely."
He extended his hand.
A small jade pendant materialized in his palm.
"And this jade pendant. Keep it with you. Through it, you may communicate with me directly if necessary."
Bai Xueyin accepted it with both hands.
Her expression softened.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
She hesitated slightly.
"…But may I ask… why do you wish for my brothers to remain?"
Mo Zhu answered without hesitation.
"I value Bai Chenxi."
His voice was steady.
"I wish for him to serve as my assistant."
Chenxi's heart skipped a beat.
Before he could speak, Li Feng's voice followed.
"And I want Bai Yuchen."
Everyone turned toward him.
Li Feng leaned slightly forward on his throne.
"As my closest companion."
His voice was calm.
Controlled.
But his eyes were fixed entirely on Yuchen.
"Do not worry, Princess," Li Feng continued. "Their safety will be guaranteed. They will lack nothing."
Yuchen felt his heartbeat quicken.
He did not understand why.
But he could not look away.
After a moment, Bai Xueyin lowered her head.
"If that is Your Majesty's will…"
She paused.
"…then I agree."
And with that, the decision was made.
After the meeting ended, the hall slowly emptied.
Mo Zhu approached Chenxi.
"Come with me."
Chenxi hesitated only briefly before following.
They entered Mo Zhu's private chamber.
The doors closed behind them.
Chenxi stood respectfully.
"Your Majesty… may I ask something?"
Mo Zhu turned to face him.
"Speak."
"Why did you choose me… as your assistant?"
Mo Zhu stepped closer.
His presence was overwhelming.
"I knew the moment I saw you," Mo Zhu said quietly. "There was something different about you."
Chenxi's breath caught slightly.
Mo Zhu reached out.
And pulled Chenxi gently onto his lap.
Chenxi froze.
His body tensed immediately.
"My Lord—"
Mo Zhu's arm wrapped around his waist.
Firm.
Possessive.
"I am not interested in princesses," Mo Zhu said softly.
Chenxi swallowed.
"…Then who are you interested in?"
Mo Zhu's voice lowered.
"Gender does not matter to me."
His hand rested against Chenxi's chest.
Chenxi's entire body felt warm.
Confused.
Unsteady.
"But… Your Majesty…" Chenxi whispered. "I am only human. You will live for centuries. How could I remain by your side that long?"
Mo Zhu's eyes darkened.
"I will make you one of us."
Chenxi's eyes widened.
"You will gain power. Longevity. Everything."
Mo Zhu leaned slightly closer.
"And you will never leave my side."
Chenxi's heart pounded violently.
He did not know what frightened him more.
Or what drew him in deeper.
Meanwhile, in another part of the palace—
Li Feng led Yuchen into his private chamber.
The door closed behind them.
Yuchen stood still.
Uneasy.
Li Feng turned toward him slowly.
"I have never felt this way before."
His voice was quiet.
Serious.
"Not toward anyone."
He stepped closer.
"I want you, Yuchen."
Yuchen's breath caught.
"For my entire life."
Li Feng reached out and pulled him gently toward the bed.
"I will make you one of us."
His hand brushed against Yuchen's arm.
"You will never grow old. Never grow weak."
Yuchen shook his head slightly.
"My Lord… I do not desire power. I only wish to live an honest life."
Li Feng's expression softened.
"I know."
His fingers gently lifted Yuchen's chin.
"But I will protect you."
His voice became quieter.
"Always."
He leaned forward.
Their lips met.
Softly.
Carefully.
Yuchen's eyes widened.
His hand instinctively pressed against Li Feng's chest.
"My Lord… this is not right…"
His voice trembled.
"I am only human. You are the Shadow Emperor. Someone like me…"
He could not finish.
Li Feng did not release him.
"I am not joking."
His voice was firm now.
"You being human means nothing to me."
His hand gently held Yuchen closer.
"I want you."
There was no hesitation.
No doubt.
Only truth.
And in that moment, neither of them could turn back.