Reborn: Wrath of the flame

Mo Yanmei woke to the soft light of dawn filtering through the gauzy curtains of her chambers. Outside, the wind stirred gently, rustling the crimson banners strung across the compound in celebration. The scent of burning sandalwood lingered faintly in the air, evidence that the servants had already begun the morning rituals. The world outside felt calm and expectant, as though holding its breath.

She lay still, curled beneath the embroidered covers of her bed, staring up at the delicate carvings on the canopy. Her heart fluttered with something she couldn't quite name. Anticipation, maybe. Or unease. A weight had settled in her chest, pressing gently but firmly. She told herself it was only nerves. After all, it was her wedding day.

From beyond the room, muffled footsteps echoed. The door creaked open slightly before Xiao Yun's familiar voice broke the stillness.

"Miss, you're awake," she whispered, breathless, her hair already tied up, her cheeks flushed from morning errands. She stepped inside, balancing a tray with tea and rice cakes. "They've started the final preparations. The ceremonial team is nearly here, and the Flame Sect elders have already arrived."

Yanmei sat up slowly. "That early?"

"They said it's good luck for the bride to rise with the sun," Xiao Yun replied, placing the tray beside her. "Mistress Li wanted to wake you half an hour ago, but I told her I'd take care of it."

Yanmei gave a tired smile. "Mistress Li would say that even if I rose before the stars."

Xiao Yun laughed and began brushing Yanmei's long hair with practiced hands. "You'll be the most beautiful bride this sect has ever seen."

Yanmei didn't reply immediately. Her gaze drifted to the window, where early sunlight bathed the courtyard in gold. Somewhere deeper in the estate, Xi Tianlei was likely preparing too, surrounded by his clan's advisors, perhaps dressed in robes just as fine as hers.

Once, that thought had thrilled her. Now, she couldn't explain how she felt.

Still, she pushed the feeling aside.

"Let's get ready," she said, offering a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Her bridal gown was a masterpiece, layered in deep red silk trimmed with gold, embroidered with phoenix feathers meant to bless the union. Bangles chimed on her wrists. Her hair was twisted up and pinned with jade combs bearing the insignia of the Flame Sect. She looked every bit the sacred bride.

But when she stared at her reflection, something in her chest stayed quiet.

By the time the ceremonial procession began, the sun hung heavy overhead. A chant echoed through the manor walls as attendants lined the path to the ceremonial hall. Yanmei moved with practiced grace, each step careful, her veil drawn over her face. But her hands trembled slightly beneath her sleeves.

As she entered the hall, her breath caught.

Pillars of blackened wood stood like watchful sentinels, etched with dragon motifs. The air was dense with incense and something colder, more foreboding. Rows of guests filled the chamber, draped in ceremonial robes, their expressions unreadable. No joy. No warmth. Only silence.

Yanmei scanned the room, looking for a familiar face.

She didn't see Xiao Yun.

Her lips parted slightly, but she said nothing. One of the maids had mentioned something earlier about a missing bridal offering being delivered to a nearby village. Perhaps Xiao Yun had been sent to handle it. Still, unease crept in, curling beneath her skin like smoke.

Why wasn't she here?

Yanmei's eyes finally landed on Xi Tianlei.

He stood tall at the altar, draped in silver and crimson robes that shimmered beneath the sacred firelight. He looked divine, calm, composed. Perfect.

The boy who once stole her first kiss behind the moonlit library. Who used to smile just for her. Who once made her believe she could have everything.

But now, his gaze didn't even meet hers.

She took her place beside him. The elder began to chant, ancient words reverberating through the chamber. The ceremonial drums boomed behind him, steady and heavy.

Yanmei dropped to her knees.

The veil scratched against her cheek, its fabric suddenly coarse. The floor beneath her was cold. Her heart thudded faster with each beat of the drum. Her bridal gown weighed heavier than it should. Layers of silk, yes, but also expectations. Fate. A destiny shaped by others and handed to her without question.

She had dreamed of this day a hundred times. As a little girl, she had imagined standing like this, head bowed, a proud partner by her side. She had wondered what kind of man would hold her hand, what kind of love would blossom.

This was supposed to be the happiest day of her life.

But something was wrong.

The thought struck her like a whisper in the wind. Soft, but strong.

She scanned the audience again from behind her veil. Elders, clan heads, cultivators of repute. Even members from other sects were present. All dressed in ceremonial attire, watching. But not one had a smile on their face. Not even a flicker of joy.

She couldn't even find Xiao Yun.

Their faces were impassive. Unreadable.

Then there was him. Xie Tianlei. Her husband-to-be. The man whose name once made her chest flutter and her cheeks warm.

Today, he stood beside her like a stranger.

His eyes, once full of warmth and mischief, refused to meet hers.

Her heart began to pound, louder than the ceremonial drums that beat in slow, fearful rhythms. Her hands, hidden beneath her sleeves, clenched tightly. She was scared. Of the silence. Of the weight. Of everything.

"Let the couple offer the Oath of Unity," the elder intoned, his voice deep and devoid of emotion.

She swallowed. Her mouth was dry. Her spirit core felt unsteady, like a flame in the wind. Still, she stepped forward and knelt beside Tianlei. The cold from his presence seeped into her bones. There was no warmth. No comfort. No love.

Only a terrifying pressure that pressed down on her shoulders like a storm waiting to break.

He feels different.

Something was wrong. She knew it in her soul.

But it was too late.

She lifted her bowed head slowly, searching for reassurance. Or maybe hope. Anything at all.

There was nothing.

Only a void.

And the echo of a promise she had once believed in.