Chapter 25: Crimson Chains and Silver Vows
The group moved swiftly through the charred ridges beyond Hollow Ridge, every step laced with urgency. Kael led the way, his hand never straying far from his blade, while the others followed, their gazes alert. Nysera's revelation had shaken them all—but none more than Kael.
He glanced sideways at the Moonfang widow. Her expression was carved from cold stone, but her shoulders bore a tension she hadn't worn before. He knew what it meant: fear, not for herself—but for what the Concord planned.
[Quest Initiated: "Breaking the Chains of the Moonfang"]
Quest Type: Personal / Protection
Objectives:
Prevent Nysera's capture by Pale Concord agents
Infiltrate the Temple of Withering Chains
Destroy the Concord's reproductive altar
Secure the Moonmark artifact from Nysera's former clan vault
Optional Bonus:
Eliminate Executor Voruun
Recover stolen Moonfang bloodline scrolls
Rewards:
System Level +1
Moonmark Sigil (Key Item)
Unique Trait: "Silver Vow" — Grants enhanced affinity with bonded mates who have lost everything
[STATUS WINDOW: NYSERA MOONFANG]
Age: 36
Realm: Crown Saint Realm (Tier 7/9)
Race: Half-Moonfang (Moonblessed Human Variant)
Bloodline: Moonfang Widow (Awakened: 81%)
Physique: Lunar Aegis Core
HP: 2480 / 2480
Mana: 1890 / 1890
Strength: 70
Dexterity: 82
Endurance: 74
Intellect: 63
Willpower: 76
Charm: 92
Traits:
Widow's Edge (Damage boost against former clan members)
Lunar Veil (Concealment and detection resistance in moonlight)
Vow of Ashes (Boosts strength when protecting loved ones)
Bond Compatibility: HIGH (with Kael)
As night fell, the group camped under a silver-glowing tree whose roots hummed with latent energy. Vaeloria erected a protective ward while Thalaria sharpened her glaive, eyes flashing with readiness. Selene cooked in silence, her movements precise—yet her eyes occasionally flicked toward Kael and Nysera.
They sat apart.
"You're thinking too loudly," Nysera said without looking at him.
Kael tilted his head. "Didn't know you read minds."
"I read hearts better." She finally turned, the firelight catching her platinum-blonde hair and full lips. "You pity me."
"I don't."
"You do."
He leaned forward, grinning. "No. I'm just trying to decide if I should start flirting before or after I rescue you from a cult. Do tragic heroines prefer bold declarations or stolen kisses?"
She blinked, caught off guard. "You're incorrigible."
"Maybe. But I make it look charming."
Nysera rolled her eyes but her lips betrayed a smile. "And what if I say I don't need saving?"
Kael smirked. "Then I'll just protect that fine waist of yours until you change your mind. Can't have villains laying a finger on what I'm working so hard to admire."
[Affinity Update: Nysera — 78% → 84%]
The next morning, before dawn, they reached the gates of an old ruin hidden behind layers of illusion and arcane silence. This was the Temple of Withering Chains—a desecrated Moonfang sanctuary.
Ghostly figures drifted inside: cultists in bone-white robes, corrupted Moonfang guardians, and tethered souls of failed vessels.
Kael's hand burned with the Crown's glow.
Vaeloria nodded. "We go in together."
Thalaria smirked. "Let's wake the dead with screams."
Selene whispered, "And end this nightmare."
Kael turned to Nysera. "Ready to break your chains?"
She unsheathed her twin crescent blades. "I was born to."
He winked. "I'm already imagining how grateful you'll be after I destroy that altar. You know, grateful enough to—"
"Don't finish that thought," Nysera warned, though her cheeks were faintly flushed.
"Too late. It's already in your head."
And together, they stepped into the temple—where fate waited with open jaws.
End of Chapter 25