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The night was eerily silent, the kind of silence that seeped into one’s bones, heavy and foreboding. The crimson hue of the blood moon bathed the land in an unsettling glow, casting distorted shadows across the ancient stone path. Yet, neither Zhuo Yichen nor Wen Xiao seemed to notice the ominous beauty around them. Their minds were consumed by the labyrinth of questions unearthed in the archives they had just left behind.
They walked side by side, their footsteps echoing faintly against the quiet. The day's exhaustion hung between them like a third presence, oppressive and undeniable.
Then a sudden, fierce surge of energy crackled through the air, making both of them stop dead in their tracks. They exchanged a glance, their instincts sharp.
"Zhao Yuan Zhou," they said in unison, their voices low but urgent.
Without another word, they broke into a sprint, the oppressive energy guiding them straight to Zhuo Yichen's quarters.
As they neared, the sight confirmed their fears. The sky above the building pulsed with an unnatural crimson, the energy thick and suffocating. Wen Xiao’s eyes widened in realization.
“it's the Red Blood Moon,” she whispered, dread lacing her voice.
Zhuo Yichen’s jaw tightened. With a swift motion, he raised his hand, summoning a shimmering barrier around the quarters. The barrier hummed faintly, a sign of its immense power.
“I’ve cast a barrier strong enough to hold for now. Go and find Ying Lei and Pei Sijing—they’ll know what to do,” Yichen instructed, his tone calm but resolute.
Wen Xiao hesitated, her hand darting out to grip his arm as he turned toward the quarters. “Xiao Zhuo, what are you doing?” she demanded, her voice laced with worry.
“I’m going in,” Yichen said firmly, his gaze locked on the ominous energy swirling within. “I’ll try to calm him—or subdue him—before he lost control.”
Her grip tightened. “You’re a demon too, Xiao Zhuo! What if the Red Blood Moon affects you as well?”
“It won’t.” His voice softened, but his resolve was unshaken. “And if it does—if I don’t come out—tell Ying Lei to strengthen the barrier.”
Wen Xiao’s heart twisted at his words. She opened her mouth to protest but stopped when she saw the determination in his eyes. There was no changing his mind.
“Be careful,” she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.
He gave her a faint, reassuring smile before stepping through the barrier and into the storm of crimson energy. The moment he disappeared, Wen Xiao exhaled shakily and turned on her heel, running to find Ying Lei and Pei Sijing.
...
Zhuo Yichen entered his room cautiously, his instincts instantly on high alert. The air was thick with a suffocating malicious energy, pressing against his chest like a tangible weight. His hand clenched tightly around the hilt of his sword as his eyes scanned the dimly lit space.
Before he could even call out, he was violently shoved against the door, the impact reverberating through his body. His sword slipped from his grasp, clattering loudly onto the cold floor. Yichen hissed in frustration, his glare locking onto the crimson eyes burning before him. The familiar yet unnervingly wild gaze of Zhao Yuan Zhou greeted him, filled with malice and a foreign intensity that made his blood run cold.
"Zhao Yuan Zhou," Yichen growled, his voice steady despite the crushing grip on his neck. His hands shot up, gripping the demon's wrists as he tried to push them away, but the strength holding him was unyielding. The crimson energy crackled and swirled around them, an ominous red aura that Yichen recognized all too well.
"Zhao Yuan Zhou, get a grip of yourself!" he barked, desperation edging into his tone. But the demon didn’t respond. His expression remained impassive, his piercing red gaze fixed on Yichen as though he were a stranger. The realization struck Yichen like a blow to the chest. This wasn’t Zhao Yuan Zhou anymore.
“Zhu Yan,” Yichen spat, his voice dripping with venom as he glared at the demon towering before him.
The great demon’s lips curved into a sinister smile, his grip on Yichen’s wrists tightening just enough to keep him firmly in place. “Ah, finally. Now you know the name to call,” Zhu Yan said, his voice a silken taunt. “I must admit, it hurt hearing the wrong name so many times. My love, how could you forget something so precious?”
“Stop this nonsense,” he snarled, his voice low but thunderous, trembling with barely restrained fury. “Calm yourself. You’re letting the blood moon control you.”
Zhu Yan stood unmoving, his expression a mix of delight and mischief, as though the chaos was a symphony he relished conducting. His crimson eyes gleamed like embers, his smirk deepening.
“My love,” he drawled, his tone rich with condescension, “This is your first blood moon since you became a demon, isn’t it?” He leaned in closer, the air between them taut with tension. “why resist? Aren’t you curious to know the true power you wield? Let it consume you…”
Yichen recoiled as though the words themselves burned. He jerked violently against the iron grip that held him, his entire body trembling with the effort to break free. Veins darkened with demonic energy pulsed under his skin, the telltale sign of the blood moon’s influence creeping into him.
“Zhu Yan!”
Zhu Yan tilted his head, his amusement only growing as he tightened his hold. “Do you fear what you might become?” he whispered, his lips dangerously close to Yichen’s ear. “Or do you fear that you’ll like it?”
A shudder ran through Yichen, his strength faltering against the inexorable force of the blood moon and Zhu Yan’s taunts. Yet, even as his resolve wavered, his eyes held firm, blazing with determination.
“Still fighting,” Zhu Yan mused, his voice low and teasing. “I wonder... How long before you lose control?” His crimson gaze bore into Yichen’s, glowing with intensity. “I want to see you go feral.”
Yichen’s jaw clenched, his glare like daggers. “That’s not happening,” he ground out through gritted teeth.
Zhu Yan chuckled, a dark, rumbling sound that sent a shiver down Yichen’s spine. “Oh, it will,” he replied, his tone dripping with certainty.
“It won’t,” Yichen growled, his defiance unwavering.
Zhu Yan chuckled softly, the sound reverberating like a predator’s growl. “We shall see,” he murmured, his crimson gaze boring into Yichen’s soul. “The blood moon is patient… and so am I.”
“You underestimate me,” Yichen hissed, his voice trembling but resolute. “I will never let it control me.”
Zhu Yan raised a brow, clearly amused. “Is the little demon challenging me?” His face inched closer, the smirk on his lips turning wicked. “Very well. Let’s play a game.”
Yichen’s breath hitched as Zhu Yan leaned in, his lips ghosting over his own in an almost-touch, the heat of his breath sending a pulse of adrenaline through him. “Let’s see who wins,” Zhu Yan whispered, his voice dark and taunting. “Me, or you?”
Before Yichen could react, Zhu Yan closed the distance between them, his lips crashing against Yichen’s in a fierce, unrelenting kiss. It was demanding, commanding, and left no room for protest. Yichen struggled, his mind racing to resist, but his body betrayed him, warmth spreading despite his best efforts.
When Zhu Yan’s tongue slid past his lips, exploring with wicked intent, Yichen clenched his fists, determined not to let out a sound. A sharp sting made him wince as Zhu Yan bit his lower lip, drawing blood.
The demon pulled back, his eyes gleaming with triumph as he stared at Yichen’s bleeding lips. “You taste even better when you’re fighting me,” he teased, brushing his thumb over the cut before leaning in to press a soft peck against Yichen’s lips.
“You really have a dirty way to play a game,” Yichen said, his voice breathless and laced with venom, “but it won’t work you won't win.”
Zhu Yan chuckled darkly, his lips trailing down to Yichen’s neck. “Oh, don’t worry, my love. I have my way.”
Yichen gasped as the demon’s tongue danced over his skin, leaving a trail of heat in its wake. Zhu Yan’s mouth moved with practiced ease, marking him, claiming him in a way that made Yichen’s resolve waver.
The great demon’s smile widened against Yichen’s neck, his hot breath sending shivers down the younger demon’s spine. “You’ll see,” he murmured, his voice a dangerous melody that promised chaos.
Yichen scoffed, defiance burning in his eyes as he summoned his strength to push Zhu Yan away. But before he could act, a sharp sting pierced his neck, followed by the insidious pulse of malicious energy snaking through his veins. His body betrayed him—his pulse quickened, his heart thundered, and his vision swam in a dizzying blur. His knees buckled, the once-unshakable commander reduced to trembling weakness.
“You stupid monkey, what did you do?” Yichen snarled, his voice strained as he gasped for air, each breath more labored than the last. His glare burned into Zhu Yan, whose smirk deepened as he licked the blood staining the corner of his lips.
Yichen gritted his teeth, his eyes narrowing as he fought against the invading force threatening to overtake him. His pupils flickered wildly, shifting between the rich brown of his natural hue and an unnatural, glowing blue. Zhu Yan’s smile curled wider, his voice a husky whisper of awe. “Beautiful.”
The younger demon’s glare darkened, his will unbroken despite the strain. But Zhu Yan chuckled softly, a sound filled with dark amusement. He grabbed Yichen and slammed him back against the wall, the sheer force splintering the wooden door behind them.
Before Yichen could react, Zhu Yan’s fangs plunged deeper into his neck, a piercing pain that sent a sharp gasp spilling from his lips. Yichen clawed at Zhu Yan’s shoulders, his nails ripping into the fabric of his robes, yet his resistance waned as the demon’s venomous power seeped deeper into him. A strangled moan escaped Yichen as his body betrayed him fully, his limbs going slack.
Zhu Yan finally released his bite, his lips stained crimson as he licked away the trail of blood that marred Yichen’s pale neck. His crimson eyes gleamed with satisfaction, glinting in the dim light as he studied the younger demon. Yichen, now barely clinging to consciousness, mustered a final glare. The embers of his fury flickered weakly in his azure eyes before they dimmed entirely, and his body went limp.
Before Yichen could collapse to the cold floor, Zhu Yan caught him with ease. He cradled the younger demon in his arms, his movements surprisingly tender for someone whose aura radiated danger. He carried Yichen to the grand bed, its dark silk sheets gleaming faintly under the blood moon’s hue, and gently laid him down. Zhu Yan’s fingers brushed away a stray lock of Yichen's hair, his smirk widening as if he knew exactly what was about to happen.
A soft blue energy began to swirl around Yichen’s body, shimmering like moonlight on water. It grew brighter, pulsating with life, before sinking into him. The younger demon stirred, and his eyes fluttered open. The moment their gazes met, the vibrant blue of Yichen’s eyes burned against the backdrop of the blood moon, clashing fiercely with Zhu Yan's deep crimson.
“I told you so,” Zhu Yan said, his voice dripping with smugness, the corners of his mouth curling into a taunting grin.
Before he could say another word, Yichen moved with sudden, feral speed. In a heartbeat, the great demon found himself pinned against the bed, his smirk vanishing in surprise. Yichen’s hands pressed firmly against his neck, his bright blue eyes blazing with fury, staring daggers into him.
Zhu Yan’s initial shock faded almost immediately, replaced by a wicked chuckle. “My, my,” he drawled, his voice laced with amusement, “I had something different in mind, but if my beloved insists… I suppose I can oblige.”
With a flick of his wrist, Zhu Yan swatted Yichen’s hand away from his neck. Before Yichen could react, Zhu Yan’s hand shot out, grabbing him by the wrist. The sudden motion caused Yichen to lose his balance and bend forward.
Their faces were mere inches apart, the tension between them palpable. Zhu Yan’s eyes glimmered with mischief as his other hand cupped the back of Yichen’s neck, pulling him closer. Without hesitation, he crashed their lips together in a fierce, claiming kiss.
It was no gentle kiss—it was a battle, a collision of wills, each one refusing to submit. Zhu Yan’s hand trailed down the curve of Yichen’s neck, his touch firm and possessive, before gripping his ass with enough force to draw a sharp gasp from the younger man.
Yichen retaliated with a sharp bite to Zhu Yan’s lower lip, hard enough to draw blood. Zhu Yan pulled back, his tongue darting over the fresh wound as the metallic taste coated his senses. He chuckled darkly, his gaze burning with mischief and challenge.
Yichen stared at him, lips parted, his chest rising and falling with rapid breaths. The younger man's tongue flicked over the blood staining his lips, his expression unreadable but magnetic. Zhu Yan smirked, his hands steadying Yichen as he shifted, sitting upright with Yichen now straddling his lap.
Their faces were impossibly close, the distance between them charged with heat. "I was hoping," Zhu Yan whispered, his breath warm against Yichen’s lips, "we could go out and destroy... but I like your idea more."
The tension in the air was electric, crackling like a storm about to break. Before Yichen could even utter a word, Zhu Yan's hands gripped his shoulders, pushing him down onto the bed with enough force to steal his breath. The soft thud of his body meeting the mattress echoed in the quiet room, and Yichen barely had time to process before Zhu Yan loomed over him, his presence commanding, predatory.
Zhu Yan's crimson eyes burned with hunger as his fingers curled into the fabric of Yichen’s robe. With a sharp, decisive motion, he tore it open, the sound of fabric ripping filling the space between them. The younger demon's chest was exposed to the cool air, but before Zhu Yan could claim what he sought, Yichen moved.
Summoning strength, Yichen pushed him back with equal force, their positions reversing in an instant. Zhu Yan's robe came apart with a swift tug, exposing his broad chest. Yichen smirked, his sharp teeth glinting as his claws trailed down Zhu Yan’s skin, leaving faint red marks in their wake. He took his time, savoring the control, the way Zhu Yan's muscles tensed under his touch.
The further Yichen’s hand moved down, the more deliberate the pressure of his claws became, scraping the great demon’s skin just enough to leave a sting. Zhu Yan’s lips parted, a growl threatening to escape as he moved to rise, but Yichen was faster.
With a forceful shove, Yichen pushed him back down, and their lips collided once again in a kiss as fierce and consuming as a raging inferno. Yichen didn’t hold back, devouring him, tasting him, his passion raw and unrelenting. Zhu Yan, uncharacteristically yielding, let Yichen take the lead, his hands gripping the younger demon’s hips but not resisting.
The atmosphere crackled with tension as Zhu Yan let his guard drop, surrendering to the magnetic pull between them. For a fleeting moment, the great demon wasn’t the commanding figure feared by many but a man consumed by desire. His lips crushed against Zhuo Yichen’s, and what began as a tentative kiss ignited into a consuming fire. Their breaths mingled, their mouths seeking, tasting, and savoring. It wasn’t a battle for dominance—it was the pure collision of unbridled passion, raw and unrestrained.
But the moment was far from over. Zhu Yan shifted, his dark eyes smoldering as he pushed himself up. His hand trailed along Yichen’s legs, his fingertips caressing the smooth skin before his nails dug in, sending shivers rippling through Yichen's body. With a deliberate motion, the great demon spread Yichen’s legs wider, adjusting him with an almost reverent touch. Yet there was nothing gentle about the hunger in his actions.
Before Yichen could catch his breath, Zhao’s hand gripped his waist firmly. There was no hesitation as he pulled Yichen down, taking him raw and unyielding. Yichen’s head tilted back, his eyes closing as a loud moan tore from his lips. His body trembled, caught between the sharp edge of pain and the heady rush of pleasure. Every nerve felt alive as the intensity of their connection enveloped him, raw and all-consuming.
While.....
The muffled scream echoed faintly, barely perceptible to the human ear, but it was enough to send a ripple through Ying Lei’s composure. Standing rigid outside Zhuo Yichen’s quarters, his arms crossed in a futile attempt to look unbothered, his reddened ears betrayed his true state of mind.
Pei Sijing and Wen Xiao, standing a short distance away, exchanged glances. The silence between them hung heavy, broken only by Wen Xiao’s impatient pacing.
“Why is Xiao-Zhuo taking so long?” Wen Xiao finally asked, her voice carrying a blend of irritation and curiosity. “Do you think the red blood moon got to him too?”
Ying Lei’s ears burned brighter, as though all his blood had rushed there in embarrassment. Turning away from their inquisitive stares, he muttered a quick incantation. A shimmering, reinforced barrier wrapped itself tighter around the quarters, laced with a silencing spell for good measure.
“I—I think Xiao-Zhuo won’t be coming out anytime soon,” Ying Lei stammered, his voice slightly shaky as he tightened the spell further. His face flushed crimson as he avoided eye contact with the two women.
Pei Sijing’s eyes narrowed, her gaze sharp as a blade. “Why are you turning red, Ying Lei?” she asked pointedly. “You’re hiding something, aren’t you?”
“I—no!” Ying Lei cupped his face with both hands, his voice rising defensively. “I’m just tired, okay? Exhausted! The red blood moon affects all of us. Maybe we should just leave them locked in there, for their own safety!”
“What?” Wen Xiao frowned, crossing her arms. “That doesn’t even make sense! Xiao-Zhuo hasn’t come out yet. What if he’s in trouble—”
“He’s fine!” Ying Lei interrupted, his tone firmer but his voice cracking slightly. “The red blood moon’s influence is strong. If he hasn’t come out by now, trust me, he doesn’t want to be disturbed.”
“But—”
“I’ve already reinforced the barrier,” Ying Lei cut her off again, his hands moving in an almost frantic gesture. “There’s nothing we can do, and it’s better if we don’t interfere.”
Pei Sijing and Wen Xiao exchanged skeptical looks but relented under Ying Lei’s stubborn insistence. As Ying Lei ushered them away from the quarters, Wen Xiao cast one last, curious glance at the closed door before sighing and walking off with Pei Sijing.
Left alone, Ying Lei lingered, his hand pressed against the barrier as if to reassure himself it was holding strong. He shook his head with a heavy sigh, muttering under his breath, “You’re in so much trouble, Great Demon, when Xiao-Zhuo wakes up.”
With one final glance at the glowing door, Ying Lei turned and hurried after the others, his ears still betraying the turmoil he tried so desperately to conceal.
...
The morning light peeked through the open windows of Yichen's room, casting a soft glow on the disheveled space. A cold breeze slipped through the cracks, kissing his bare back. He shuddered, instinctively curling closer to the warm presence beside him.
Zhao Yuan Zhou, or rather Zhu Yan in his clear state, chuckled softly at the younger man's reaction. With a gentle hand, he brushed aside a few strands of hair that had fallen over Yichen’s face. His fingers traced the delicate curve of his jaw, moving with a tenderness that belied his usual demeanor. He found himself staring, captivated by the peaceful expression that softened Yichen’s sharp features.
Moments later, Yichen stirred, his eyes fluttering open to meet the demon’s gaze. They held each other's gaze for a moment, the weight of unspoken emotions hanging in the air, until Yichen’s eyes widened in realization. Panic set in as he tried to sit up, only to be stopped by a sharp ache in his back. No—his whole body ached.
He winced and turned his gaze to Zhao Yuan Zhou, his eyes scanning the demon’s bare body. His throat went dry as he took in the sight: bites and bruises covered the great demon’s neck, scratches ran down his arms, chest, and stomach. Yichen gasped, his hand instinctively moving to his own neck, where he felt the distinct sting of a bite mark. A glance down confirmed his suspicions—his body bore the same marks as Zhao Yuan Zhou’s. His thighs were streaked with scratches, and his arms and chest were littered with bruises.
A soft groan escaped him as his eyes traveled around the room. The destruction told its own story: the door hung ajar, splintered and cracked; cabinets were reduced to rubble; books lay scattered everywhere; torn clothes were strewn across the floor. He froze as fragments of memory from the previous night rushed back to him. His cheeks flushed a deep crimson.
“You stupid monkey!” Yichen yelled, grabbing the nearest pillow and swinging it at Zhao Yuan Zhou. "You cheated. You perverted monkey!" The great demon caught it easily, laughing as Yichen pelted him with another flurry of attacks.
Despite his rage, Yichen’s movements were hindered by his soreness, and soon he slumped back onto the bed, glaring daggers at the amused demon. Zhao Yuan Zhou leaned in, his lips twitching with barely-contained laughter. “Careful, beloved, or you’ll hurt yourself more.”
“Shut up!” Yichen hissed, his face burning with embarrassment.
Later that day, their friends arrived, curiosity piqued by what happened last night. Wen Xiao was the first to notice his bruised state and the awkward tension in the room. “What happened here?” she asked, her eyes darting between the two.
Zhao Yuan Zhou smirked but refrained from answering as Yichen quickly interjected. “I went out of control during the blood moon,” he lied, his voice hurried. “It got... messy.”
Ying Lei raised an eyebrow but said nothing, shaking his head as he glanced at Zhao Yuan Zhou, who was clearly trying to placate the younger man with soft words and stolen touches.