Tina threw a victory banquet.

The march against humanity was imminent. Morale needed boosting, and the Bloodline army deserved reward.

“Warriors,” Tina announced, pausing deliberately, “the human campaign begins soon. Thoughts?”

“A pathetic race, easily crushed,” sneered a Bloodline general nearby. His deathly pale face twisted in contempt.

The crowd erupted.

“Humans are destined for extinction.”

“Their so-called ‘strongest’ folded like paper last night—big talk, no power.”

“Exactly! That human ‘champion’ couldn’t even finish casting his spell.”

“All bluster. This is humanity’s peak?”

“Yes! Their empty threats end beneath our holy blood.”

Tina smiled silently at the roaring warriors. Only she knew Sky Qi’s true terror.

Last night’s failed spell? Sabotage by his own ally. And she’d sensed it—Sky Qi hadn’t even tried. At full power, he could annihilate the Bloodline army with one hand.

Such a human couldn’t be released. He’d slaughter them all.

Her siblings led other armies toward humanity. Hers was merely a branch force, destined to merge later.

But that Heavensfall Sword… It haunted her. Thousands of light blades merging into one colossal sword, hanging over their heads like Damocles’ blade. Its fall meant annihilation—even three million Bloodline soldiers couldn’t survive. No general could withstand it. The memory seared her mind.

William’s betrayal had gifted her this chance. Capturing Sky Qi cost her nothing.

He looked barely sixteen. Sixteen, yet at peak strength—unthinkable.

She was 136, equivalent to a human seventeen-year-old, but with far longer training. One hundred thirty-six years—more than a human lifetime. Sixteen, stronger than her…

Humans were terrifying.

A faint smile touched her lips. But strength meant nothing now. He was her plaything.

Everyone had a weakness. Exploit it, and even legends fell.

Let humans tear each other apart. The Bloodline would slip through the cracks.

“Excellent. Your spirit pleases me.” She raised a goblet, draining the crimson liquid in one gulp. “I await your performance.”

“Long live Princess Tina!”

“Long live the Holy Bloodline!”

“For faith!”

“For glory!”

Tina nodded, satisfied. This campaign would be effortless.

She didn’t notice the armored figure in the crowd—silver eyes fixed on her from beneath a helmet.

*William’s foolishness*, Vicky sighed inwardly. *What a waste of that boy.* Her hand tightened around the silver sword hidden under the table.

Her mastery of the Ripple Step let her slip back into the Bloodline camp unnoticed. This banquet was perfect. She studied Tina’s gaze—flushed cheeks, hungry anticipation.

*Daydreaming about that in public?* Vicky’s lip twitched under her helmet. *Since when are Bloodlines this lustful?*

Tina hadn’t mentioned Sky Qi’s fate all evening. A human champion’s death would be celebrated. Yet the banquet only praised William’s knife disrupting Sky Qi’s spell mid-cast.

No confirmation of death. Tina deliberately avoided the topic.

*Could she be hiding him?* The thought chilled Vicky.

The banquet ended in feverish cheers. Tina dismissed her attendants, walking alone to her chambers.

*Exhausting days… but owning such a human toy?* Excitement fluttered in her chest.

She opened the door gently.

Sky Qi lunged for the handle—just as the door swung inward.

He stumbled, crashing into Tina’s arms.

“Oh? So eager to embrace me?” She caught him, warm breath brushing his cheek. *Her.* Sky Qi froze. *Why’s she back already? Don’t Bloodline royals have duties?*

Escape vanished. Tina lifted him effortlessly, laying him on the bed.

“Not even Spatial Magic could hold you. Truly humanity’s strongest.” Her fingers traced his cheek. Then her whole body pressed down on him. “Had I returned a moment later… you’d be gone.”

Sky Qi flinched, trying to sit up. His limbs refused—utterly drained.

*This is bad.* He braced against the bed, straining upward.

“Stop struggling.” Tina’s grip tightened, pinning him down. Her voice dropped to a whisper against his ear, lips grazing his skin. “The more you fight… the more I enjoy it.”

*Filthy bloodsucker. You’ll regret this.* Sky Qi glared, hoping his hatred would scare her.

“Threatening me again?” She laughed softly. “Then I’ll have to blindfold you once more.”

*No!* His eyes widened in panic.

“Ah… that look.” She tugged the chain on his collar, smiling. “Your fear is utterly delightful.”