Chapter 1 – Part 1: The Betrayer's Circle
[Author Note]
Welcome to Part 1 of *The Oath That Burns Heaven*.
This story updates every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Villain MC. Betrayal. Oathfire.
— Ashborn Sage
Stone scraped against his knees as Aman was dragged through the corridor of judgment. The chains around his wrists weren't just steel—they pulsed with suppression runes, digging into his flesh with every breath.
The scent of phoenix root incense filled his lungs. Meant for purification. Meant to numb the pain.
It didn't work.
The Circle of Flame was quiet when he entered. Too quiet. The silence wasn't reverent—it was afraid. The disciples lined along the walls in red ceremonial veils wouldn't meet his eyes. Because they knew.
The seven elders stood like statues above him. Their robes were trimmed in black—a color reserved for executions. In the center, younger than the others but standing higher than all, was Ren Yun.
Aman's wrists tensed against the chain. He didn't blink.
Ren had once carved a vow into his arm with a blood-dagger: "I burn with you."
Now he watched from above, clean, robed, and still.
Elder Shi stepped forward. "Aman of Ashveil, you are charged with demonic incantation, spirit theft, and betrayal of the Lotus Creed."
Aman said nothing.
"You deny nothing?" Elder Shi snapped.
Still nothing.
Then Aman's voice rose, dry, low, cutting: "Did Ren write that script for you?"
Gasps rippled. Ren didn't flinch.
"I did," he said. "And I stand by it."
Aman tilted his head slightly. "…You're even better at lying now."
[Author Note]
The oath cracks, but the fire hasn't even begun.
Part 2 drops next.
— Ashborn Sage