When Zhuang woke up, her body ached, and her head throbbed with a dull pain. The first thing she noticed was the unfamiliar surroundings. She was lying on a bed inside a wooden house, the walls intricately carved with the image of a crescent moon. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of a lantern casting shadows across the floor.

As she struggled to sit up, the pain in her body intensified, and she winced, clutching her side where she had been thrown against the wall. Before she could gather her thoughts, a voice broke through the silence.

“Who are you, and what are you doing here?”

Zhuang looked up to see a pixie floating in the doorway. She was beautiful, with long flowing hair and a serene expression, but what caught Zhuang’s attention was the slight swell of her belly—she was pregnant. The pixie’s eyes narrowed as she studied Zhuang, her expression shifting from curiosity to irritation.

Zhuang’s mind raced as she tried to piece together what had happened. She remembered the cave, Xiuying’s cruel smirk, the pain… But how did she end up here? Who was this creature?

“I… I don’t know,” Zhuang stammered, confusion and fear in her voice. “I remember the cave, but…”

Nianhua frowned, crossing her arms over her chest. “The cave? You mean Xiuying brought you here?”

She nodded slowly, still trying to make sense of everything. “Yes… she said she wasn’t going to let me go…”

The pixie sighed, her frown deepening. “Of course she did. She found another one.”

Zhuang’s eyes widened as the meaning behind her words sank in. “Another one…? What do you mean?”

Still annoyed, gestured to the moon carvings on the walls. “You’re in her territory now. I’m Nianhua, and I suppose we’re both her prisoners, in a way.”

Her heart sank with the realisation of her situation. She was trapped, caught in Xiuying’s web, with no idea how to escape.

Zhuang stared at her, trying to process everything she had just said. “Who are you, and how are you related to Xiuying?”

Nianhua smirked, leaning against the doorframe with a casual elegance. “I’m her favourite,” she replied, her tone laced with a mixture of pride and possessiveness.

Zhuang’s confusion only deepened. “What does that mean?”

But instead of answering, Nianhua flicked her wrist, and with a surge of invisible power, Zhuang’s clothes ripped from her body, leaving her bare and vulnerable. Shocked and humiliated, Zhuang instinctively covered herself, but Nianhua remained unfazed, her smirk widening as she observed her reaction.

“Time for a bath,” Nianhua said, her voice now carrying a hint of authority. Without waiting for a response, she waved her hand, and the room around them shifted. The wooden walls dissolved into a mist, revealing a large, stone bath filled with milky water. The surface of the water was dotted with delicate moon-shaped flower petals, and the air was filled with a soothing scent that seemed to ease the tension in Zhuang’s muscles.

She hesitated, still reeling from the suddenness of everything, but Nianhua’s gaze left no room for argument. With no other option, she stepped into the bath, the warm water enveloping her in a comforting embrace. The petals clung to her skin as she sank deeper, the scent of the flowers filling her senses and calming her nerves.

As she bathed, she couldn’t help but wonder what kind of place this was. The water seemed almost magical, cleansing not only her body but also the lingering fear and confusion in her mind. But beneath the calm, her thoughts kept returning to Xiuying and the strange, dangerous allure she held over her.

When Zhuang finally stepped out of the bath, Nianhua was waiting for her with a set of clothes draped over the bed. The fabric was a rich, dark blue, the colour deep and luxurious. There were delicate patterns of moons and stars embroidered along the edges, and the garments were clearly of high quality, fitting for someone of noble status.

“These are for you,” Nianhua said, handing the clothes to her. “Xiuying prepared them herself.”

Zhuang took the clothes, her fingers trembling slightly as she touched the soft fabric. She dressed quickly; the material fitting her perfectly, as if it had been tailored for her. The pixie then handed her a small box containing makeup—lipstick, blush, and other items, all in shades of blue and grey, complementing the outfit perfectly.

Once Zhuang was fully dressed and dolled up, Nianhua gave her a once-over, nodding in approval. “You look presentable. Now, let me show you around.”

She followed Nianhua out of the room and into the domain, a sprawling, otherworldly space filled with lush gardens, flowing streams, and ancient trees. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and the sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Despite the beauty, she couldn’t shake the sense of unease that lingered in the back of her mind.

As they walked, Nianhua began to introduce Zhuang to the others who lived in the domain. They stopped in front of a grand house adorned with symbols and decorations that spoke of status and power. The intricate carvings of magnolias adorned the walls, and the house itself was surrounded by a thick barrier of the same flowers, their vibrant colours almost glowing in the soft light.

“This is Qin Yulan’s home,” she explained, gesturing to the house. “She’s the first wife.”

Zhuang’s eyes widened. “First wife…?”

The pixie nodded, her expression unreadable. “Xiuying’s first wife. They’ve been together for a long time.”

As they continued walking, Zhuang couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of dread. She had been dragged into something far more complicated than she had ever imagined. They stopped again in front of another house, this one more modest, but equally beautiful. The air around it was thick with the scent of herbs and healing magic, the flowers surrounding it pulsating with energy.

“What about this house?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Nianhua’s expression softened slightly as she looked at the house. “This belongs to the second wife. She’s with her sect most of the time, only visiting when she needs to.”

Zhuang swallowed. “And what does that mean for me?”

Nianhua turned to face her fully, her eyes sharp and knowing. “You’re probably going to be her third wife.”

Her breath caught in her throat. Third wife. The words echoed in her mind, each repetition sinking deeper into her consciousness. She had gone from being a free woman to potentially being bound to Xiuying in a way she hadn’t even considered.

But as she looked at Nianhua, at the confidence and calm she exuded, she couldn’t help but wonder—is this truly her fate?