Tortured by Love

Amid the gasps of the crowd, he swept me up in his arms.

Compared to Azure, Raven is the true prodigy of the Immortal Sect, mastering the basics in a hundred days with an effortless grace that won the hearts of countless female disciples and noble ladies.

His bold move to carry me away like this was nothing short of a thunderbolt to everyone present!

Before we left, I even saw Azure's eyes wide with disbelief.

4

Wynd was so insistent on pairing me with Azure because we were prophesied to be destined lovers.

The Demon King had slain Jasper's wife, Azure's mother. But he was too powerful; only the ancient Bonded Swords passed down within our sect could kill him.

The Bonded Swords had chosen Azure and me, and their power would only manifest if our hearts were in sync.

My sword was named Phoenix Cry, and his was Dragon Roar—how fitting they sounded together.

I remember the gentle lady, Cynthia, a cherished secret in my few happy memories.

To avenge such a good person, I didn't feel too distressed, no matter how cold and repulsive Azure treated me.

Now, I realize that the gentleness in my character also bears the shadow of Cynthia.

No one could have imagined that Azure would fall in love with the daughter of his mother's murderer.

Others might see it as true love breaking all bonds, the grudge of a mother's death just one of the obstacles in their way.

But to me, it felt even more disgusting that he could move past his own mother's death. I wonder if Cynthia would find peace in the afterlife.

5

Raven, who had left the sect early for his own trials, was unaware of these details. He only knew that Azure and I were destined lovers. We occasionally interacted, always strictly observing etiquette.

It must have been the first time he had ever done something so out of line.

After being carried for a while, I asked him to put me down.

His first reaction was one of disappointment. "Azure has treated you so poorly, and you still want to endure it!"

I shook my head in confusion. "Raven, isn't your hand injured? Be careful it doesn't worsen."

When he held me, I distinctly felt a tremor in his right hand.

Raven was taken aback for a moment, then he laughed and patted my head. "Violet, you're such a good girl. It's Azure's fault he doesn't cherish you."

Raven hated evil and would not abandon me.

As expected, I heard him continue, "I won't leave anymore. If I can't even protect you, then I'm unworthy to be your senior."

With Raven's help, even our senior, Orion, who was always busy with the sect's affairs, learned of the matter. He came to Azure with a look of anger, joining Raven in giving him a severe beating.

Seraphina stood by, so frightened that she could only cry, not daring to make a sound.

Remembering she had said she would give her life to be with him, I hid under the covers, giggling.

"This is not the end, Azure. You've insulted Cynthia this way. I will make you pay the price."

6

During Azure's recovery, Seraphina sought me out first.

She must have been a lady of privilege, raised to be haughty, and as soon as she saw me, she raised her chin arrogantly. "Azure doesn't love you. Why do you keep clinging to him?

"You're just a stuffy good girl, devoid of any spirit. How could he possibly be attracted to you?"

The demonic aura around her soon attracted other disciples.

Seeing the crowd growing, she became more excited, drawing her sword. "The night I pledged my life to that dull boy, we used a dual-sword technique to repel our enemies."

Her sword faintly bore the essence of Dragon Roar.