Whispers of the Lunar Curse

The weight of the revelation presses heavily on Li Wei as they clutch the amulet tighter. The idea of a bloodline connection gnaws at their mind—was this why the curse seemed to target them so strongly? Could they truly be linked to this village and its dark past?

The whispers in the library grow louder, as though the spirits are warning them, urging them to act. Li Wei decides they can't stay here any longer. If the book is correct, the village elders may hold the answers they need. If anyone knows the truth about the cursed bloodline, it's them.

Exiting the crumbling library, Li Wei heads toward the elders' council house, a building nestled in the heart of the village. It is an ominous structure, its doors weathered and its windows dark. The streets leading there are eerily empty, the silence oppressive. The villagers seem to have retreated into their homes, leaving the detective alone with their thoughts.

As they approach the council house, the air grows colder, and the whispers follow them, growing louder with every step. Li Wei hesitates for a moment, their hand resting on the door, before summoning the courage to push it open.

Inside, the room is dimly lit by a single flickering lantern. Five elders sit in a semicircle, their faces shadowed and their expressions grim. They do not appear surprised by Li Wei's arrival; it's as if they've been expecting them.

Before Li Wei can speak, the eldest of them, Elder Zhang, breaks the silence. His voice is hoarse, weighed down by years of secrets.

"You should have never entered the temple."

Li Wei's jaw tightens. "I need answers. What is this curse? And why does it feel like it's tied to me?"

The elders exchange wary glances before Elder Zhang leans forward, his piercing eyes locking onto Li Wei.

"The curse was never meant to be unleashed. For centuries, our ancestors guarded it, keeping it sealed within the temple. But the amulet you hold—that relic ties you to the bloodline of those who created it."

Li Wei's breath catches. "What do you mean? I'm not from this village."

Elder Zhang's voice remains steady. "Perhaps not directly, but your ancestors were. The bloodline of the sorcerer who created the amulet flows in your veins. That is why the curse has awakened. You are its key."

The words hit Li Wei like a punch to the gut. Memories of their family's vague stories about distant relatives in a rural village resurface, stories they'd dismissed as unimportant. Could those roots tie them to this cursed place?

Before Li Wei can ask another question, Elder Zhang continues, his tone grave. "The spirits that haunt this village are bound by rage and sorrow. They were wronged by our ancestors, and they will not rest until justice is served. The amulet you hold binds them, but it also binds you to their fate. To end this curse, you must uncover the truth of what happened to them—and face their wrath."

Li Wei grips the amulet tightly, their mind racing. "And if I fail?"

The room falls silent. Finally, another elder, Elder Mei, speaks softly. "Then the curse will consume you, and the village will fall with you."

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*Quiz Question:*

What should Li Wei do next?

a) Investigate their family history to uncover their connection to the village.

b) Demand more information from the elders about the spirits and the ancient wrongs.

c) Return to the temple to confront the spirits and learn the truth directly.