Under a demonic tree sat a beautiful young woman wearing red robes. She was looking up at the sky, wondering why her love had not responded to any of her letters.

A maid rushed over. "My lady, I'm afraid I have news..."

"This had better involve my Darius, or I have no interest," the young woman cut her off as she examined her long, pointed black nails.

The maid hesitated. "It does, my lady. I'm afraid it's rather...unfortunate news."

The young woman’s gaze snapped to the maid, eyes flashing dangerously. "Speak, worm."

The maid flinched. "Y-your lover...he is dead, my lady."

Silence descended. The words hung heavy in the air as the young lady stared.

"W-what?"

"Darius...he is dead," the maid repeated nervously. "Killed in a cultivator battle in the mortal realm, or so I heard."

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The young woman was silent for a long moment. When she finally spoke, her voice was a chilling whisper. "If my love is dead, then so are you."

As she uttered the words, her eyes turned red. The maid's own eyes glazed over, entranced. "Yes my lady, I am dead," she said dully.

Turning, she began walking straight towards the tree. The twisted branches of the demonic tree suddenly whipped down and coiled around the maid's body. She made no sound as they lifted her high and stuffed her directly into the trunk. The tree shuddered in ecstasy as it hungrily devoured its meal.

The young lady turned away, the red light in her eyes dimming back to cold black orbs.

"I will find who took you from me, my love," she whispered. "And I will paint the mortal realms crimson with their blood."