Chapter 64: I’ll Be Back Before Dawn

“You’re not happy today.”

Luoyao said, “Jealous again? Hey, babe, I’ve been coming straight home after class to be with you. No hanging out with Xiaan.”

Noah shook her head, smiling.

She patted Luoyao’s head. “I’m not unhappy, just tired.”

“Then nap later. I’ll shower, and when you wake, you’ll have a fragrant breakfast,” Luoyao said, grinning.

Seeing her human miss’s healing smile, Noah’s lips curved up too.

Such a wonderful girl—how could she let her go?

Noah knew challenging Yelan was near suicide.

But last night, under Yelan’s relentless provocation, it was her only option.

Admitting her relationship with Luoyao would spare her Yelan’s taunts.

But Yelan would throw her into the Well of Burning Sin without hesitation.

Volunteering for the Well would indirectly admit her love for Luoyao.

Both paths were blocked.

In Yelan’s logic, she held the upper hand.

No matter Noah’s choice, Yelan would win.

Under vampire rules and logic, only one way broke the stalemate:

The Broken Moon Platform.

When two vampires vied for a blood s*ave, they dueled there.

By proposing this, Yelan had no grounds to accuse Noah of loving a human.

Fighting for a blood s*ave was standard vampire behavior.

Last night, Yelan’s words made Noah suspect she knew about her and Luoyao.

Her demands pushed Noah to confess her love.

But Yelan didn’t expect Noah to take the risk.

To find this slim chance on the Broken Moon Platform.

A chance, sure, but slim.

This was Yelan—the strongest, invincible vampire.

Still…

Noah looked at Luoyao, nestled in her arms.

Her heart’s treasure.

For her, Noah would challenge Yelan.

If she miraculously won, all would be well.

But if she lost…

If she lost…

She hadn’t thought it through.

Or rather, she didn’t dare.

No matter what, Noah wouldn’t sit idle.

She had to try with all her might.

She glanced at the wall clock.

Eleven forty at night.

The duel was near…

“Yaoyao.”

“Mm?”

“Go to bed.”

“Okay. Wait, you’re not sleeping?”

Noah stood, shaking her head. “I want to take a walk.”

“Oh… I’ll come with.”

Luoyao reached for her jacket.

Noah grabbed her arm. “Be good, Yaoyao, go to bed. I just want to walk alone, think about… things.”

“Are you overthinking again? If I messed up, tell me, I’ll fix it. Don’t stew on your own,” Luoyao pleaded, voice trembling.

“No, no. Stop asking, go sleep. Or I’ll really get upset,” Noah said gently.

“Fine… but you better be back before dawn. I want to see you when I wake up!”

“Alright, I’ll be back before dawn.”

Luoyao shuffled to the bedroom.

She went in but peeked out seconds later. “Don’t go far, okay?”

“Mm.”

“Good night.”

“Good night.”

She turned off the bedroom light.

Seconds later, the rustle of blankets followed.

Noah exhaled, turning to the balcony.

Luoyao’s dried platycodon from yesterday sat there.

Beautiful.

“I’ll admire it properly when I’m back.”

She psyched herself up, dressed, and left.

At the door, she pressed her palm to the lock.

With a jolt, she shattered its mechanism.

Now, Luoyao couldn’t open it from inside.

“Stay put, no matter what you hear, Luoyao.”

She didn’t want Luoyao stressed.

Or seeing her battered on the Broken Moon Platform.

Noah turned, striding steadily to the first-floor hall.

At midnight, the Broken Moon Platform rose.

A vast arena, dwarfing human boxing rings.

Its center bore a crescent moon pattern, stained with countless vampire blood.

Tonight’s challenged stood on one side—Yelan.

Arms crossed, eyes closed, calm.

As the platform activated, castle vampires gathered.

They came to see which sisters would fight over a blood s*ave.

But seeing Yelan on the platform shocked them.

“It’s… Mother? When did she return?”

“Forget when she returned—who’s crazy enough to challenge her?”

“Suicidal?”

“No way it’s Aleng, right?”

“Only Aleng or Huangwei have the guts, maybe—”

“Not me.”

Aleng emerged from the crowd, leaning on the third-floor railing.

She eyed the platform. “Neither Huangwei nor I dare challenge Mother.”

“Whoa, Aleng’s here for the show. Where’s your little blood s*ave?”

Aleng glared at the vampire. “That embarrassing thing? Long gone.”

“Fair. It’s midnight—where’s Mother’s challenger?”

“Scared off?”

“No way,” Aleng said.

“Mother’s waiting on the platform. Come or not, their fate’s sealed, right?”

“Yep. If they ditch Mother, she won’t forgive them. Dying on the platform at least makes you a warrior.”

“Look, look! They’re here!”

A tall figure ascended the platform’s other side.

Silver hair, black attire, face cold.

Crimson eyes held no emotion, like a still lake.

Amid the vampires’ gasps and shock, she faced Yelan.

“Noah… my god, is she insane?!”

“I thought she was loyal to Mother. Why challenge her?”

“Loyalty’s one thing. Fighting for a blood s*ave on the platform’s another,” Aleng said, watching Noah’s back.

“You’re thrilled, huh, Aleng?”

Aleng paused, raising a brow. “Thrilled about what?”

“Didn’t Noah slap you before? Mother’s settling your score.”

Settling her score…

Aleng frowned slightly.

She was bitter about Noah, holding that slap forever.

But that pain didn’t justify Mother “settling” it.

No comparison at all.

“Noah, what are you doing?”

On the platform, their eyes locked, killing intent rising.

“For your blood s*ave, you’re really challenging me, daughter?”

“Yes, Mother.”

“You still say you don’t love her.”

“Mother, I’ve guessed your intentions.”

“Whether I admit it or not, it doesn’t matter, does it?”

Yelan chuckled. “You’re smarter than before.”

“And… stronger.”

Noah stepped back, bowing slightly.

Fists clenched, she assumed a fighting stance.

“Good. Show me how much my daughter’s grown these fifteen years.”

Yelan made no move.

But as her words fell, a powerful aura surged from her.

Even the watching vampires trembled under its pressure.

As the midnight bell tolled, the lopsided duel began.