The Crimson Capital rose like a blood-forged crown at the heart of the Empire. Its walls were veined with obsidian and etched with the banners of ten noble houses each one a clan of warriors, mystics, assassins, or kings. Beneath its towering gates flowed a river of merchants, pilgrims, spies, and soldiers. Above, watchtowers glinted like staring eyes, always alert, always watching.

Kaede and Ren dismounted just beyond the southern checkpoint, where Masaru handed their official scrolls to the gatekeepers.

“State your name and purpose,” the lead officer said.

Masaru bowed. “Hoshizora Kaede and Ren, representing the Eastern Border Province. Here for the Trials of the Ten Houses.”

The officer’s brows lifted slightly. “Twin prodigies of the Hoshizora clan... your arrival was expected. Rumors fly faster than crows these days.”

He waved them through with a smirk that didn’t reach his eyes.

Inside, the capital was chaos wrapped in silk. Courtyards brimmed with foreign warriors. Merchants hawked cursed charms, enchanted blades, and potions that glowed like moonlight. Courtesans moved like phantoms through incense-laced halls. And over it all loomed the Onyx Citadel headquarters of the Imperial Trials.

Kaede and Ren were led to a shrine-guarded compound designated for challengers. As the gate closed behind them, Kaede glanced around the courtyard. Other participants watched them with thinly veiled interest or contempt.

A boy in crimson armor leaned against a pillar, polishing a blade that shimmered unnaturally. A girl draped in silver sat cross-legged, surrounded by fox spirits that flickered in and out of sight. And towering above them all was a massive warrior with skin like stone and eyes that glowed dimly one of the Earth-Blooded from the Northern tribes.

“Their auras,” Ren murmured. “They’re strong.”

“So are we,” Kaede answered.

That night, under the pale light of lanterns, the Trials’ Overseer arrived a gaunt man in ceremonial robes, with a face like parchment and eyes like daggers.

“I am Lord Kanzuro,” he said, voice carrying across the compound. “You are not children of privilege here. You are blades being tested. The Trials of the Ten Houses are not only for glory they are to decide who will protect the Empire in the shadow of what’s coming.”

His gaze settled briefly on the twins.

“You will face ten trials. Only five of you will emerge as champions. If you die, your body will be honored. If you cheat, your head will be sent to your clan.”

He smiled. “Sleep well.”

Later that night…

Kaede awoke with a jolt. A soft whisper echoed in her ears. Not words just a breath, cold and ancient.

She turned toward Ren’s mat.

He was already awake, eyes wide open.

“You heard it too,” he said.

Kaede nodded.

They stepped outside into the courtyard. The other competitors were still, sleeping.

But on the far wall, something had been painted fresh, wet, and red.

A crescent moon. The same mark from the assassins.

And below it, a single phrase:

“Only one twin survives.”