Chapter 23: Nysera's Bargain
The night air in Hollow Ridge hung thick with corrupted mana and unspoken promises. Crimson haze coiled around jagged trees and sunless ravines like serpents whispering ancient names. Kael's party made camp on a high ledge, safe for the moment, but far from peace.
Nysera sat across from the fire, the flickering flame painting her bronze skin in molten gold. Her indigo tattoos pulsed faintly, as if in rhythm with a buried curse. The crescent blades at her side glinted like fangs in the dark.
Selene and Thalaria watched her with mixed curiosity and caution, while Vaeloria remained silent, her gaze calculating. Kael, seated nearest the fire, finally broke the silence.
"Your story, Moonfang. Start from the betrayal."
Nysera didn't flinch. "My husband, Lord Kaerith, was the last rightful leader of the Sky-Severed Clan. He ruled with strength, but not cruelty. We were bonded by oath and love—and yes, our bond had power. When he ascended to Crown Saint Realm, our enemies multiplied."
She clenched her fists. "His cousins, eager to control the clan through me, conspired against him. Poisoned his elixir stores. I found his body half-consumed by internal fire, too late to stop it."
A silence fell over the campfire. The flames crackled like distant thunder.
Selene's brow furrowed. "And they tried to take you?"
Nysera's voice wavered, just once. "They claimed my body was sacred. That the Moonmark on my spine entitled me to be the clan's holy consort… to any who claimed the title. I disagreed. Violently."
Her knuckles whitened, nails digging into her palm. "I remember his body—still warm, his eyes open, pleading. I screamed until my voice broke. Then I picked up his blades and made them feel a fraction of my agony."
Thalaria whistled low. "Let me guess—you didn't stop at 'no'."
"Three corpses and two burning tents. I fled north, then west. They branded me a traitor. Sent hounds. Men. Worse." Her eyes met Kael's. "And the more I ran, the more I realized they were hunting not just me—but the bond I held. They want to siphon it, weaponize it."
Kael exhaled slowly. "And now you found me. Why?"
Nysera's gaze was unwavering. "Because I saw what you did to that Qilin. I saw your Crown devour the firestorm. You're not just strong—you're a turning point."
She stood, circling the fire slowly. "I offer a bargain. My blades, my knowledge of clan wards, and my Moonmark—if you give me sanctuary in your court. Your system recognizes me. Let it bind me. In return, I'll bleed for you. Kill for you. And when the time comes, I'll help you burn every last traitor in the Sky-Severed Clan."
[System Prompt: Unique Companion Contract Eligible]
Do you accept Nysera's Bloodbound Pact?
Effects:
Unlock Passive: Moonmark Resilience (Party-wide defensive buff during night)
Unlock Title: Widow of Vengeance (Kael-specific aura of intimidation against traitor-type enemies)
Future Bond Potential: High
Warning: Accepting this pact will permanently link Nysera's life force to yours. Her enemies become your own.
Kael's expression didn't shift. "You speak of loyalty, but demand sanctuary first."
"I offer proof," she said, sliding a small violet crystal from her belt. "This is Kaerith's last memory shard. His dying thoughts. His killers named. Their seals exposed. You want power? These names hold keys to realms lost in secrecy."
Kael took the crystal. Flames reflected in his eyes. And for a heartbeat, he saw it—the memory inside.
Kaerith's voice: trembling, struggling. "Protect her… please. Even if she chooses another… even if she forgets me… keep her safe… she's worth more than empires."
Kael's hand trembled just slightly. He looked up, locking eyes with her. There was no lust in his gaze—only respect, grief… and something else. Recognition.
"You'll have your sanctuary, Nysera. But remember—I don't offer protection for free. You'll fight beside me. Bleed beside me. And you'll submit to the Crown when it calls."
Nysera stepped forward, kneeling.
"I accept the terms. I am yours, Kael Viren. Crown-Bearer. Sin-Forged."
[Contract Accepted — Nysera Added to Companion Roster]
Realm: Unknown (Est. Sovereign or Above)
Bond Compatibility: Rising…
The fire flared high, casting shadows that danced like devils behind them.
And in the dark, a pact was sealed—not with love, but with vengeance.
Suddenly, Vaeloria tensed. "Something's watching us."
Thalaria turned, sparks building in her palms. "More cultists?"
"No," Selene said, eyes narrowing. "This aura… it's different."
From the edge of the cliff, a tall man stepped forward—his face obscured by a jagged mask carved of volcanic obsidian, his armor glinting with threads of soul-silver. A dozen shadowy figures fanned out behind him, their eyes glowing faintly crimson.
"Kael Viren," the masked man said in a voice as deep as a war drum, "I am Voruun. Executor of the Pale Concord. Warden of Secrets. And I've come to collect what she stole."
His gaze slid to Nysera.
"She is mine. Her bond, her bloodline, her legacy. It belongs to the Concord now."
Kael stepped in front of her. "You'll have to rip it from my corpse."
Voruun laughed—a low, gravelly echo. "That can be arranged."
[New Villain Encounter Logged — Voruun, Executor of the Pale Concord]
Threat Level: High
Objective Update: Protect Nysera from Retrieval Forces
Bonus Objective: Uncover the nature of the Pale Concord
The fire cracked sharply as if anticipating the blood to come.
Kael looked at Nysera. "You never mentioned them."
"I thought I had more time," she whispered, voice shaking. "They want my womb—not just for lust. To breed a vessel for the Moonmark. To resurrect something… older."
Her hands trembled. Selene moved beside her, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. Thalaria's mouth was a tight line.
Kael's jaw clenched. "Then let's make this ridge their grave."
Nysera met his eyes—hers shimmering, but not with tears. With the fire of someone who had lost everything… and dared to hope again.
And as swords were drawn and power sparked along the ledge, Hollow Ridge trembled again—this time in anticipation.
End of Chapter 23