Xie Lin listened to the Healer’s words.
But he heard only half of what was said.
The Healer had spoken of true and willing union.
Xie Lin intended to take what he wanted by force.
He had turned the idea over in his mind all day.
He paced back and forth across the room.
His heart was in turmoil.
Must I betray Xuanhe in flesh and body?
And this is to be my first time.
Is it to be given to her for nothing?
The jade charm glowed pale icy green.
He clutched it tight in his hand.
The touch brought back the day they first met.
He remembered Yu Xuanhe fastening this very charm to his waist.
Memory after memory returned.
The moment he was saved.
Every day spent by Yu Xuanhe’s side.
They cut into him like blades.
He made up his mind.
Once I take what binds Xuanhe to her she will vanish.
Then nothing will stand between us.
We shall be together always.
He had never been with anyone.
He did not know what it was to be with a woman.
I shall cover her face.
I shall pretend it is nothing at all.
Yes.
Nothing at all.
His eyes hardened with resolve and something darker.
Men are ever quick to find excuses.
He knew it was wrong.
Yet he justified it to himself.
He stroked the jade charm gently.
He pressed a kiss to its smooth surface.
It was a vow to himself and to Yu Xuanhe.
Xuanhe.
Once this is done you will be mine as before.
Will you not?
No answer came.
The charm was only stone.
His mind made up Xie Lin set out for the Demon Sealing Pagoda.
Inside Ji Youyou lay trapped in the nightmare spell.
Her brow was furrowed.
Cold sweat glistened at her temples.
She looked as though she suffered greatly even in sleep.
Xie Lin gave a cold smile.
Seeing her distress brought him a strange sense of relief.
Yet the thought of what he was about to do turned his stomach.
He did not hate her.
He hated what he must do.
He felt as though he were betraying Yu Xuanhe and sacrificing himself.
A strange sense of honor and chastity weighed upon him.
His face grave he drew a fine silver needle from his sleeve.
Its tip was dark.
Poisoned.
The needle grew larger in his hand until it became a slender sword.
This was his blade Calyx Poison.
It shone with a harsh and blinding silver that hurt the eyes.
Black smoke coiled from its hilt.
The poison it bore was deadly beyond measure.
The faintest graze upon the skin would bring agonizing rot and death.
No antidote existed save his own blood.
The sword was fierce and hard to control.
Its spirit acknowledged him as master.
He had drawn it only a handful of times.
He would take what he needed from her first.
Then he would kill her.
He would kill her with his own hand.
He would destroy the woman who had taken what was his.
The cloth tore.
With one clean stroke Calyx Poison cut through her clothes.
He wielded it with perfect control.
The fabric parted from throat to thigh.
Not a hair of her skin was harmed.
Some things a man knows without being taught.
He knew exactly what he was doing.
He schooled his face to hide his loathing.
He lowered himself over her.
He should have felt only revulsion.
Yet the scent of her hair rose to him.
Her skin was soft and warm.
Her neck and shoulders seemed to invite his touch.
He felt a strange stirring of excitement.
He pressed his face into her hair and kissed her neck.
She looked pale and troubled.
Her nightmare held her fast.
Her helplessness only fed his desire.
There was no turning back.
He let his gaze travel downward.
She wore only a simple tied cloth covering her chest.
He fumbled to undo the knot.
It was drawn too tight.
Impatience flared in him.
A hot restlessness took hold.
Instead of waiting he used his teeth to tear it open.
The sight of her body inflamed him further.
Whether from the force of the movement or the nightmare breaking she woke.
She found him lying heavy upon her.
She was confused and terrified.
She struggled and cried out.
But the Needle of Ill Fortune had drained her strength.
Her voice came thin and hoarse.
Monster.
Beast.
Let me go.
Her blows fell weak and light.
They felt like caresses.
Xie Lin had no patience.
He was already aroused.
He would not be stopped.
He caught her by the throat.
His gaze was hard and cruel.
Be still and I will make it quick.
Fight or scream and I shall not stop even then.
She felt utterly wronged.
She had no strength to resist.
She did not value purity above all else.
But this was not how she had chosen to give herself.
She was afraid.
She feared what harm he might do her.
She feared disease or worse might be visited upon her.
She valued her life and her body.
She did not want to be used and discarded.
He saw she had fallen quiet.
He leaned to kiss her breast.
Then she spoke clear and steady.
How can you do this to him?
Did Xuanhe send you?
The name struck him like a blow.
He tightened his grip.
You have no right to speak his name.
Do you hear me?
Passion had turned to rage.
A cold wind swept through the chamber.
It seemed to quench the fire for a moment.
Laughter rang out loud and wild.
Fan Moxi stood watching them.
He folded his arms.
He toyed with a small flame.
Do all of you so called righteous immortals resort to force?
First one and now another.
Must you perform such acts before my eyes?
I have no desire to watch.