Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong

Here is summary with spoilers for Immortal Longings

Princess Calla Tuoleimi: Five years ago, a massacre claimed the lives of her parents. The shocking truth? Calla was the one who orchestrated it. Her ultimate goal is to destroy the monarchy, but her uncle survived and now sits on the throne as King Kasa. Calla enters the annual games with one purpose: to win, gain access to the king, and kill him.

Anton Makusa: An exiled aristocrat burdened by medical debt and haunted by a childhood love who remains in a coma. For Anton, winning the games means securing the treasure to pay off his debts and finding a way to save his love.

August Shenzi: Calla’s cousin and heir to the throne. Despite their shared bloodline, his goals remain a mystery, and his involvement adds tension to an already fragile alliance.

In the kingdom of Talin, life is harsh for most, but the annual games offer a glimmer of hope. Held in the capital city of San-Er, the games pit 88 contestants against each other in a brutal fight to the death. The prize? Glory, riches, and the chance to stand before the king. But this year, the games have higher stakes than ever.

Calla enters the competition fueled by vengeance. Anton competes for survival and the treasure that could change his fate. The two form a tenuous alliance, joined by August, whose motives remain unclear. Each has vastly different goals, but necessity forces them to work together.

As the games progress, Calla and Anton grow closer, their bond complicated by Calla’s unwavering resolve to kill the king. Despite falling in love with Anton, Calla knows that her mission must come first.

The climactic battle unfolds in the coliseum. Calla faces a crucial moment when August confronts her, asking what matters more: her love for Anton or the future of the kingdom. Before she can answer, Anton arrives.

A booming announcement signals the start of the final fight. Anton pleads with Calla to abandon her mission, suggesting they could leave it all behind. Calla tells him it’s too late.

The tension peaks as Calla and Anton spar. Anton begs her to kill him if the kingdom means more to her. In a devastating decision, Calla drives her blade into Anton. The crowd erupts in cheers as Calla’s eyes glow royal yellow, marking her victory.

Calla is declared the victor and attends a lavish banquet at the palace. During the ceremony, King Kasa congratulates her, but Calla seizes the moment. She slashes his head clean off, fulfilling her mission to destroy the monarchy.

Later, Galipei visits Calla in her cell. Grieving Anton’s death, Calla is lifted to her feet and prepared for the next chapter. Bathed and dressed, she approaches August, who now possesses eerie black eyes. She places the crown on his head, seemingly crowning him the new ruler of Talin.

As the crowd chants "Long live the king!" Calla turns to August. His cryptic response, “And what fine daylight we have today to ensure its longevity in their memory,” leaves an air of unease.

It is than that Calla realizes that she has not crowned August. Instead, she has placed Anton Makusa on the throne (he jumped bodies).