Chapter 6: Ashroad Begins — Fire Beneath the Moon
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The shattered throne was long behind them.
In its place: endless ash-colored plains, dead trees clawing at a silver sky, and the long, ancient path known as the Ashroad—a cursed stretch that had swallowed armies, kingdoms, and lovers alike.
Kael walked at the front, cloak billowing behind him, eyes sharp. Selene followed in silence, blades hidden beneath her black robes. Thalaria brought up the rear, armor stripped to lighter leathers, her gaze sweeping for threats—not because she feared them, but because she welcomed them.
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They had traveled two days when the Crown of Sin stirred again.
Kael's vision blurred, the air thickened, and heat pulsed in his veins.
[New Zone Detected: Ashroad Ruins – Lust-Saturated Region]
[Crown Sync: Triggering Travel Conquest Protocol]
[New Quests Available:]
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Buzzz ....
System Notification ----
> [Main Quest: Whispering Bloodstone]
A ruined shrine lies half-buried in this region. A sleeping artifact calls to the Crown.
• Objective: Find and dominate the Priestess of Serenthaal
• Reward: Bloodstone Shard | Skill: Charm Aura Lv. 1
[Side Quest: Marked by Moonlight]
Selene's Sin Mark pulses during lunar exposure.
• Objective: Engage in ritual intimacy with Selene under a full moon
• Reward: Shadow-Bond Skill | Evolution Path Unlocked
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Kael blinked as the visions faded.
The moon overhead had grown fuller since their last rest.
He turned his gaze toward Selene.
She was already watching him.
"I felt it too," she said softly. "The pull."
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They made camp in the remains of an old merchant outpost—broken walls, vines, and shattered stone altars.
Selene stood atop the ruined archway, bathed in silver light, the moon behind her like a crown.
Kael approached.
"The Crown says you're ready," he said.
"Ready?" she asked, removing her outer robe, revealing thin fabric beneath that clung to every curve.
"I've been waiting."
He stepped forward, fingers brushing her waist as her breath hitched. Her Sin Mark—glowing with black flame—pulsed at his touch.
"You're not like Thalaria," Kael whispered.
"You're sharper. More dangerous. More… delicate."
"And yet you're still touching me," she replied, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"So what does that say about you?"
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The ruins echoed with soft gasps and rustling fabric.
Kael lowered her to the stone altar, the Crown reacting with flickers of heat along his back. Every motion was slow, ritualistic. He marked her again—fingers glowing as they traced old scars, hidden desires, forgotten shames.
Selene arched beneath him, her lips parting in a breathless moan.
"Say it," he whispered.
"I belong to your shadow," she whispered. "And I'll cut for your throne."
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> [Side Quest Complete: Marked by Moonlight]
[Selene Evolution: Shadowblade → Moonmarked Assassin]
[Skill Unlocked: Shadow Blink – Linked to Kael's Aura]
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Thalaria sat by the fire, sharpening her blade.
She didn't look up when Kael emerged from the ruins, cloak half-open, Selene trailing behind him with a satisfied smirk.
"So," Thalaria muttered. "The assassin got her dance."
"She earned it," Kael said calmly. "You jealous?"
Thalaria glanced up, eyes gleaming.
"No. Just next."
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End of Chapter 6