Soon, troubling news began to reach the Queen—whispers of witches found dead in hidden corners and of young witches vanishing without a trace. The reports were disturbing. And the most alarming news was that someone had attempted to harm the prince.
To strike a royal blood line was unforgivable, and it was known to all witches. Once a soul was tied to the royal bloodline—even through engagement—they were sacred, protected, untouchable. Who could dare harm him?. But the guards who saw the person had reported that the spy had disappeared immediately he was caught.
The Queen was confident in her kingdom's defenses. No vampire could set foot in her realm without being torn apart by its ancient magic. Not in this lifetime, she thought. The kingdom was protected by powerful magical barriers, strong enough to destroy a powerful vampire.
But what she didn't yet understand… was that everything had changed. The old spells had been corrupted and the sacred barriers had been breached. She didn't know that the enemy was already inside, in secret.
The day all had been waiting for finally arrived—the union of Princess Mei Lian and Prince Tian Yu.
From the moment the first rays of sunlight kissed the palace rooftops, the kingdom bloomed in color and celebration. Lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, lighting the path from the heart of the palace to the grand gates. Every corner was adorned with vibrant blossoms and silken banners, each carrying the royal crest of the witches.
The air shimmered with magic and joy and laughter rang out. The scent of rare flowers, roasted delicacies, and spiced wines drifted through the air as guests from every corner of the kingdom gathered. Even dignitaries, nobles, and witches from distant covens were around. After the preparation, the union started without delay.
At the sacred altar, beneath the enchanted willow that only bloomed once every hundred years, the couple stood hand in hand.
Princess Mei Lian was radiant, her gown woven from starlight and moon-thread. A crown of glowing petals rested atop her long, pink hair. Beside her, Prince Tian Yu stood tall, regal and composed, his crimson eyes softened by devotion. A faint smile curved his lips as he looked at her—his mate, his destiny.
Before them stood the Lord of the Seven Covens, a figure draped in ancient robes, holding the Book of Eternal Binding. His deep voice echoed through the hush that fell over the crowd.
"By the will of the ancient stars, and the bond of soul to soul, do you, Mei Lian, princess of Yueling Guo, accept Tian Yu, the prince of the vampire, as your eternal mate?"
Mei Lian's voice was clear, steady, and filled with love. "I do."
"And do you, Tian Yu, vow to protect and cherish Mei Lian, in light and shadow, until time ceases?"
Before Tian Yu could speak his vow, a sudden commotion rippled through the crowd.
The sound of marching echoed against the marble floor. Vampire soldiers, cloaked in black and crimson, stormed into the wedding hall. Gasps rose from the guests as the atmosphere shifted sharply, joy turning to dread.
Behind them strode a commanding figure—tall, pale, with eyes like a dying ember. The vampire lord, unmistakably regal and deadly. And beside him… a witch.
Not just any witch.
Witch Queen Xi Wang's eyes widened as she recognized the woman. Ji Woo!. Once a sister of the sacred coven. A respected high witch—now walking proudly at the side of the tyrant vampire king.
Silence fell upon the grand hall. Naizu, the great seer, emerged from the line of elder witches. Her robes shimmered faintly, and her eyes—white as pearls—locked on Ji Woo like a blade. She raised a single hand, her voice cold as frost.
"I see dark smoke swirling around you," Naizu said slowly. "What have you done, Ji Woo?"
Whispers erupted from the gathered guests. The Lord of the Seven Covens, caught in the tension, hesitated with the sacred binding book still open in his hands.
"How did they enter this kingdom?" Queen Xi Wang demanded, fury lacing her voice. "The barrier should have torn them apart before they reached the gates!"
Witch Ji Woo only smirked and rolled her eyes. "Oh please, must you be so dramatic? We're here for a wedding, are we not?" she said mockingly. "Surely, an uncle is allowed to attend his dear nephew's marriage. "
Her voice dripped with sarcasm, and every word tightened the unease in the room.
Tian Yu's eyes darkened, and Mei Lian instinctively reached for his hand.
"Uncle," Tian Yu muttered under his breath.
"Dearest nephew, I thought I would never see you again. I heard you killed my men and drank their blood. You must be very powerful now." The vampire king mocked.
"You are not welcome here, you monster. " Tian Yu thundered, stepping forward, his eyes started glowing crimson as he shielded Mei Lian behind him. And his fangs and claws reacted too and emerged__alarmed.
A slow, cruel chuckle echoed through the hall.
"Oh?" the vampire lord sneered. "The little kitten has grown into a lion."
He took a deliberate step forward, "But even lions bleed, Tian Yu. And you... won't be able to protect her from me."
His voice was low, dangerous—like the calm before a bloodstorm.
A ripple of fear passed through the wedding guests as he spoke.
At once, several witch soldiers rushed to shield Princess Mei Lian. Their staves lit up with magic, sparks dancing in the air. But before a single spell could be cast—
SWISH—THUD.
Their heads hit the marble floor one after another.
Gasps tore through the hall as blood pooled at their feet.
Mei Lian's breath was caught in her throat. Queen Xi Wang stepped forward, her power flaring, shaking the very walls.
"You dare spill blood in my palace?" she roared, magic surging around her like a storm of moonlight and fury.
The vampire king smiled, unfazed.
"Why don't we stop wasting time, Xi Wang. Let's do this!" He said and with that, the great war started.