The Cursed Throne of Yanxi

s sword tightened as he studied her, searching for any sign of deception. Her features bore the unmist

incess is supposed to be dead. That's what the court decreed after the

te refused to let me die. I have lived in exile, hiding among the common folk, waiting for the right time

If you are truly who you claim to be, then you understand the

left to lose, knight. My family, my birthright, my people-all of it w

so simple. The Empress's spirit will not yield easily. You must be prepared to confront the

he nodded. "I understand. Wha

"Very well," the witch said. "But if you are to join us, you mu

equire of me?"

the palace-a relic known as the Phoenix Amulet. It is said to hold the power to shield its

with soldiers loyal to the regent. Re

irm. "I'll go with her. The regent's

my own? No, knight. You and I will prepare for the ritual to sum

d her shoulders and nodded. "I'll do

alace treasury. "The amulet is kept in the Vault of Echoes, guarded by a ward of ancient magic. Take this path to a

ers brushing against the brit

d slightly. "May the spi

d and disappeared into the shadows

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ed quickly, her heart pounding as she clutched the map tightly. Every creak of the wooden

n darkness. The Vault of Echoes was as its name suggested-every sound seem

Amulet. The artifact was breathtaking, its golden surface etched with intr

signs of danger. As she reached for the amulet, a sudden surge

rb the sanctity

re her-a spectral guardian clad in ornate

her voice steady despite her racing heart. "I seek t

t for the unworthy. To claim it, you must prove your strength,

odded. "

anding in a field of ash, the sky above her dark and churning. Around her lay the charred r

t broken," the guardian said. "To prevent it, you

the former emperor, kneeling before a man in regal robes-the Empress's trusted advisor. The a

whispered, he

on the throne, her eyes wide with shock and betrayal. The advisor stoo

the guardian said. "Do you have the strength to

y family's sins are not my own. I will not let their betrayal d

t of Echoes. The guardian studied her for a moment before n

ing through her as she fastened it around her neck. She felt a surge

arning. "The curse is stronger than you realize, Princess. The

d not look back. "I

uelin made her way back to the hidden chamber, unaware of

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cont