SCULPTURED DESIRE

She dodged the strike, which was aimed at her by inches, she looked at Jin Long, who lazily looked her way with no intention of intervening.

'They must all be crazy', she thought as she dodged another attack it was a member of the jade sect who was out to end her, and no one was intervening.

Xi Feng was pushed forward, she fell caught in the web of her dress, her breathing rapid. As the man aimed at her, she raised her leg to kick aside his hand, dissuading his attack. Her gown slid up her thighs revealing her toned skin.

She stood up with a turn, kicking the man in his jaw he groan and turned away.

Xi Feng removed a pin from her hair and pointed it at his throat before he could gain a foothold it was his vulgar point, and a movement from him would get the object pierced in.

He gulped dropping his sword in defeat.

A Rai sighed in relief she had passed impressing the people of the jade sect.

Amira, who was still breathing hard, spun around with a glare.

"What was that??" She asked pissed.

"A test to see if you are capable of the title," Roger said.

"So, did I pass??" She asked.

"You did, dear," the elder of the jade sect replied.

"Good," Came her reply as she turned to face the person on the alter.

"Let's just get this over with this is driving me insane," she exclaimed, her finger pressing against her temple in frustration.

Jin Long couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head at her exasperation. His laughter caught the attention of a few nearby observers, who turned to see what the commotion was about.

Meanwhile, Xi Feng had just been crowned the leader of the Jade Sect.

In the following week, her schedule was consumed with a whirlwind of activities as she immersed herself in the rich culture of the sect. Roger, her instructor, was far from amiable, his icy demeanor made learning feel like a chore. Yet, Xi Feng stood her ground, determined not to let him push her around. She firmly believed that figures like him needed to earn their respect, especially when it came to positions of authority.

Carriages laden with hefty bundles and drawn by sturdy horses dominated the bustling streets of the town they had just arrived at—Oaken Vale.

Inside one of the creaking carriages, Xi Feng sat with her eyes closed, allowing the rhythm of the ride to lull her into a moment of tranquility. The wagon swayed gently, its wooden wheels clattering against the cobblestones.

Beside her Jin Long leisurely sipped his tea, the rich aroma rising from the boiling water perched atop the coal pot.

He gently tugged aside the curtain to take in the vibrant scenery outside. The sun-drenched streets were alive with townsfolk going about their day, the clamor of voices and the sound of hooves echoing in the warm afternoon.

"Are you regretting your decision now?" he asked, casting a sidelong glance at Xi Feng, as the carriage jolted slightly over a bump in the road.

Xi Feng opened her eyes and looked out the window Jin Long had drawn open.

"What there to regret, am simply visiting town, we will return to the sect in fee days " Xi Feng told him. Jin long nodded and let go of the curtain.

"Well our destination is different from the initial place," he said.

Xi Feng said nothing.

As the first light of dawn broke over Oaken Vale, Zyran stepped through the gates, his long, fluffy coat cascading over his shoulder like a cloud of mist. Raindrops pattered gently against the fabric, and Ali stood close by, holding a sturdy umbrella to shield him from the persistent drizzle.

The air was fresh with the scent of wet earth as the butler approached, his face lighting up with unmistakable joy. "Your Highness!" he called out as he hurried to meet them, He knelt, bowing deeply before the prince.

Zyran offered a nod of acknowledgment, extending a hand to help Matthew rise to his feet.

"My prince, this palace has felt desolate in your absence, it is truly a blessing to have you back among us," Matthew said, his eyes sparkling with hope.

Zyran proceeded into the towering palace wall, as he stepped inside, the world around him seemed to pause, memories flashing back like sharp knives, but the moment was shattered when a sudden rush of warmth collided with him—an avalanche of soft, wavy brown hair.

"Brother!!" Her voice, dainty as a fragile porcelain bell, echoed through the corridor, but it quavered as if on the brink of shattering.

He looked down to find his sister, Novalie, gazing up at him. Her eyes were swollen and red, glistening with tears that threatened to spill over. As her gaze met him, the floodgates opened, and she sobbed uncontrollably, her heartache lay bare.

"Why are you crying?" he asked, concern etching lines across his brow.

"You've aged so much," she choked out between sniffles. "And you've lost so much weight...and...and..." Her words tangled in her throat, spiraling into another wave of tears.

Zyran glanced over at Ali, who stood a few paces away, eyes averted, as if grappling with his own emotions.

He gently pulled Novalie away.

"Novalie," he murmured, wiping the tears from her flushed cheeks with the tip of his finger, "you shouldn't cry. I'm here now, aren't I?"

She nodded.

"Novalie.... You...." Katia called in her loud, usual voice, but she stopped between sentences, seeing who stood before her.

"Zyran??" She called.

Zyran looked up to see his other sister who didn't seem so pleased to see him.

"Why did you come back?" She asked folding her arms.

"Why would you ask that? You should be happy brother came back, don't you feel sad for him?" Novalie asked Katia who scoffed.

"Why should I?"

Zyran pat Novalie on the head and decided to head to the king's chamber, he walked past Katia, who didn't dare to look at him.

Xi Feng came down her carriage with the help of Jin lang her eyes fixated on the mansion in front of her.

"This is old master Ryder's house, since is passing the jade sect has been responsible for his family.

Xi Feng nodded slightly and made her way into the house, they were welcomed by the butler who took them directly to the old mistress who was busy embroidering in the Garden.