The chamber's entrances rumbled as new forces arrived—not in chaos, but in ordered ranks. First came the righteous sects, reformed and reinforced, white robes gleaming under fresh torches. Elder Huan limped at their rear, face grim. Leading them now was a stern woman in golden-trimmed robes, sect master insignia on her chest.
Opposite them marched imperial soldiers—crimson armor polished, phoenix banners snapping, commanded by a young general with sharp features and a royal crest. Princess Zhao's clan, by the markings. Both groups paused at the sight of each other, then at the unlikely gathering around the coffin: demons, beasts, and the trio at the center.
The sect master spoke first, voice carrying holy authority. "The black altar awakens fully. We claim this site for purification."
The general's hand rested on his sword hilt. "By imperial decree, this ruin falls under Northern Empire jurisdiction. Ancient threats are state matters."
Lady Vira laughed softly. "Always the same song. Purity or empire—both want control."
Grom growled, warriors shifting behind him. "Tribes claim by blood right. The door calls to the wild."
Tension crackled. Weapons rose. The coffin pulsed beneath their feet, mist stirring faintly in the sealed cracks.
Wei Chen stepped forward, fan half-open. "Argue later. The real threat is inside. We've all added to the seal. Break it now, and no one wins."
Lin Xue's frost qi spread calm spirals. Su Mei's chains hovered protectively.
The sect master's eyes narrowed on Lin Xue. "Elder Lin… fallen so far. Consorting with demons and beasts."
The general studied Wei Chen. "And you—the branded one. Rumors say your physique woke this evil."
Before anyone could answer, the coffin spoke.
Not whispers this time. A clear, layered voice vibrating through the stone—cold and ancient, reaching every mind.
Truth… at last…
All froze.
The ice queen's curse… the Frozen Heart… it is mine… my gift… my chain…
Lin Xue staggered, hand to her chest. Frost qi faltered around her.
She carries my fragment… long ago… to keep the door watching… her bloodline bound me once… now it calls me home…
Gasps rippled through the allies. Lady Vira's eyes widened. Grom's claws flexed. Righteous cultivators raised talismans toward Lin Xue. Imperial soldiers shifted stances.
Wei Chen grabbed Lin Xue's hand instantly. "Lies. Twisting facts."
But doubt spread fast.
The voice continued, almost gentle.
Her curse grows stronger when the door opens… and weakens when I rise… cure her forever… let me out… or watch her freeze from within…
Lin Xue's breath came short. Pain flickered across her face—the curse stirring, frost creeping visibly up her arms.
Su Mei pressed close on her other side. "It's bait. Don't listen."
The sect master advanced. "If the curse links to the evil… she's compromised. Seize her for purification!"
The general nodded to his soldiers. "Or imperial healers can extract the fragment. Surrender her."
Lady Vira backed away slightly, demons following. "If she's tied to it… risk too high."
Grom rumbled. "Bloodline bound to cold hunger? Tribes stand clear."
Alliance fractured in heartbeats. Weapons turned—not on the coffin, but on the trio.
Wei Chen pulled both women behind him, shared flame igniting bright. "She's not the threat. It's using her to break us!"
Lin Xue straightened through pain, frost qi flaring blue-white. "I feel it… the curse pulling harder. But I choose this bond. I choose life with you."
Su Mei's chains lashed warning arcs. "Anyone touches her, answers to me."
The coffin pulsed stronger. Cracks widened again. Mist formed eyes in the air.
Forces closed in—righteous and imperial from fronts, demons and beasts retreating but watching.
Wei Chen's brand burned. The voice whispered privately now, just to him.
Save her… speak your name… I'll free her forever…
Lin Xue gripped his arm, eyes fierce despite pain. "Together. We burn the lie out."
Su Mei nodded. "All or nothing."
The shared flame roared higher—gold, frost, crimson—pushing back advancing forces and mist alike.
But the curse tightened on Lin Xue. She dropped to one knee, frost spreading across her chest.
The storm had arrived. And the coffin's cracks spider-webbed wider.
To be Continued
© Kishtika., 2026
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