Chapter 2

2

The Phoenix King favored Corbin deeply, not just for his raw talent, but because Corbin was born of his most cherished consort.

Yet Corbin remained obstinate. He replied coldly, "Father, this choice is precisely for our clan's future. Balance governs all things under heaven. Celeste's four tails are more than adequate. If I take Celeste and Gideon takes Kendra, Gideon might also have a chance to sire a noble phoenix."

Moved by Corbin's apparent selflessness, the Phoenix King nodded in deep satisfaction.

He finalized the betrothals on the spot, officially named Corbin the Crown Prince, and declared to both brothers, "The crown prince is chosen. However, whichever of you first sires a trueborn phoenix shall inherit my throne."

Royal avians had to endure a grueling trial of nirvana to awaken their true phoenix form, whereas a natural-born phoenix was an absolute prodigy from birth.

No wonder the old king went mad with joy in our past life when Celeste produced eight natural-born phoenixes.

Corbin wrapped his arm smugly around Celeste's waist. Seeing her lean submissively against him, his grin widened. "Celeste is gentle and obedient, unlike her arrogant sister. She will make an exemplary wife."

He had no idea that Celeste was far from a delicate pet. Beneath her calm demeanor lay a vicious, calculating mind.

She had shielded me with her life since we were pups. When the Phoenix royals treated us like livestock on display, she had already marked them as enemies in her heart.

The fox shadow behind Celeste swayed gently. Under the ambient light, her fourth tail shimmered faintly, nearly translucent.

Once the Phoenix King departed, Corbin dropped his polite facade. He pulled Celeste close and stood before Gideon and me with a sneer.

"Brother, do not pin your hopes on this six-tailed vixen," Corbin scoffed arrogantly. "She will only ever birth a worthless sparrow for you. Then again, with your sickly constitution, you probably cannot sire an egg at all."

With that vicious parting shot, Corbin dragged Celeste away.

I turned to look at Gideon's calm expression. Before I could speak, he offered me a gentle smile. "My brother has a foul temper and a cruel tongue. Please do not take his words to heart."

His warm eyes held none of the arrogance typical of royal phoenixes.

I lowered my gaze. "If I truly fail to give you a phoenix heir, you will lose the crown forever. You can ask the King to grant you a better mate."

Gideon chuckled softly. "My health has always been frail, and I care little for power or bloodlines. If we cannot conceive, the fault lies entirely with me. You are a six-tailed prodigy, and I am fortunate to have you. Never demean yourself."

He gently took my hand and guided me to his private estate.

Sensing my lingering trauma and hesitation, Gideon never forced himself upon me. He settled me into the master suite and moved his own quarters to the side pavilion.

Spirit foxes thrived when nourished by pure atmospheric energy. Within a single month in the lush Phoenix territory, my cultivation barrier began to crack. Gideon was thrilled for me and personally escorted me to the sacred springs to absorb the spiritual mist.

When we arrived, we found Corbin and Celeste already in the water.

Corbin had dark circles beneath his hollow eyes, looking utterly drained, while Celeste looked more radiant than ever.