ladywater2010

[radiolightning]

In case anyone is having a bad night:

Here is the fudgiest brownie in a mug recipe I’ve found

Here are some fun sites

Here is a master post of Adventure Time episodes and comics

Here is a master post of movies including Disney and Studio Ghibli

Here is a master post of other master posts to TV shows and movies

*tucks you in with fuzzy blanket* *pats your head*

You’ll be okay, friend <3

[meanwolfs-remade-deactivated201]

i will reblog this everytime it shows up because any of my followers could have a bad night right now

[becausewhatiam-iswhatimnot]

All these links, besides the first, are broken. So here’s some more.

Here’s an emergency compliment

Here you can play 2048

Here’s a playlist of Bob ross

Here’s a website to watch movie’s and shows for free

Here’s a website to watch documentaries for free

Here you can to nothing for two minutes

Here you can break something. It’s good for anger

Here’s a button to press to make everything okay

Here’s a site to cut something up (TRIGGER WARNING)

Here’s a site that makes you a website depending on a song you choose

Here’s a gay comic. It’s adorable

Here you can spend Bill Gate’s money

Here you can draw your own island

Here you can learn about patterns website’s use

Here you can get your life stats

Here you can listen to the Tucker Zone (Headphones needed)

Here you can see how fast you’re moving

Here you can see the progress of time

Here you can see the future of the universe 

[becausewhatiam-iswhatimnot]

Want some more? 

Here’s the butterfly project

Here’s a snickerdoodle mug cake

Here’s a link to some free audiobooks

Here’s something to read when you feel like a burden

Here’s a secret

Here’s my playlist of some sea shanties 

Here’s another secret

Here’s a link to some cool websites 

Here’s a blog that gives you recipes for when you’re low on spoons

Here’s some Brony Headcanon’s

[becausewhatiam-iswhatimnot]

Some more? I’ve got plenty

Here’s 100,000 stars

Here you can control the weather (TW FLASHING IMAGES)

Here you can weave silk

Here you can make a castle of your own

Here you can make a kaleidoscope drawing

Here you can explore recursion

Here you can play a jelly block game

[becausewhatiam-iswhatimnot]

I’m back with some more! 

Here you can draw with pasta

Here you can draw logo’s from memory

Here you can play this is sand, here you draw cool sand designs

Here you can play The Organ Trail

Here’s a customizable white noise website

Here you can simulate gravity

Here you can create your own guardian of the galaxy

Here you can make your own galaxy

Here’s a website you can get some support at.

[becausewhatiam-iswhatimnot]

to find later

[addiewho]

Here you can split circles into smaller and smaller pieces (I found this really satisfying)

Here you can have images of people point to where your pointer is

Here you can paint someone’s nails

Here you can grow a garden across your screen (Audio included)

Here you can try out all kinds of mind illusions (Trigger Warning: Flashing Lights)

Here you can see how many miles you have scrolled

Here you can watch a website load forever, although you might be getting enough of this on Tumblr mobile

Here’s a rickroll

Here you can remind yourself that you’re awesome.

Here you can throw trash into a dustbin only for it to bounce right back out (Audio included)

Here you can make sand dunes using sand (Audio included)

And here you can generate more cool websites like these

[boy-in-the-stars]

pinning thissss

[fiddlepickdouglas]

And yet more!!!

Here you can listen to a gentle rainstorm

Here you can make snowflakes

Here is a Line Rider feature film with relaxing music

Here is the entire script to the Princess Bride (many don’t need it but it’s fun to read anyway)

Here is an abbreviated script for the entirety of Book 1 of A:TLA that I made out of anger at the film that definitely doesn’t exist

Here is a playlist of the top 10 most relaxing songs ranked according to science

Here’s a site where you can make a dude beatbox with fun animations

[tuashenanigans-deactivated20230]

I LOVE THIS

*reblogs and pins*

[thesaltofcarthage]

“Here’s a rickroll” but is it a rickroll if it tells you it’s going to the video?

(I mean, it does and that’s great, just wondering)

[thegremlinunderyourbedhehe]

Savin this-

[pusheen]

[pusheen]

[ladhotel]

OFFICIAL LOVE AND DEEPSPACE FANART COMMISSION

https://weibo.com/1771526614/5292405251379885 撒呀呀_ on Weibo

#loveanddeepspace #zayne #rafayel #sylus #xavier #caleb #otome

[the-mad-dog-of-eckhart]

✧* * .:｡✧*ﾟ ﾟ･ ✧.｡. * ✧ *.:｡✧ *ﾟ ﾟ･ ✧.｡. *.*✧

Descriptions of the profiles of the main characters of “Villains Are Destined to Die”, according to the author Gwon Gyeoeul-nim!

✧* * .:｡✧*ﾟ ﾟ･ ✧.｡. * ✧ *.:｡✧ *ﾟ ﾟ･ ✧.｡. *.✧

Today is the seventh anniversary of the release of "악역의 엔딩은 죽음뿐 (Villains Are Destined to Die)" on KakaoPage! 💗🎉

I made this post with the help of Google Translate, but you can find the sources on the image section of Gwon Gyeoeul-nim's X (Twitter) profile, of the year 2019.

[chuluoyi]

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓

- sylus x reader

wed to the lord of the city, you expect a loveless marriage... and yet, are the affections of the conqueror truly as unreachable as they said?

genre/warnings: 18+ suggestive content—minors do not interact!—arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, explicit smut (p in v first time sex) , fluff, pregnancy, princess!reader and autarch!sylus, based on sylus' card shared lanterns, contains spoilers! from myth beyond cloudfall

note: yeah... the moment i saw the trailer, the xianxia brainrot held me hostage :'D first sylus fic in 2026—hope you all will enjoy it! :D tagging @rjreins & @cherrywinetuscany as per request <3

Sylus.

The tales of the infamous Autarch of Xianyu had spread far and wide throughout the realm. He claimed the city through brute force, carving his rule with blood.

Men feared him enough to bend the knee and women whispered of him in equal parts of dread and intrigue. Every story carried a warning, every rumor a reason to stay far away.

And yet, despite knowing all that, you still walked towards him in silk and vows… to become his bride.

Not without reason, of course.

You were a princess in name only, while in truth your family was a stone’s throw away from falling from grace altogether. However, desperation always has a way of masquerading as brilliance, and so your rotten family devised their solution.

A calculated, elegant sacrifice— you.

They offered you to the Autarch, and overnight, you went from a destitute princess to the conqueror’s woman.

“What is he like, anyway…?”

Being here was no different from living in your ancestral home, really.

You were married to the tyrant— yet aside from moving residences, nothing had truly changed. The man they called your husband hadn’t even spared you his presence ever since the wedding a week ago.

You were more or less a decoration in the vast hall of his mansion.

“Never mind,” you grumbled, your gaze drifting back to the courtyard below—the place the servants insisted was Sylus’s favored retreat, though the man himself was nowhere to be found.

Was it improper to sneak into a man's chamber and wait for him to appear? Yes.

But when that man is your husband? No— you decided it was perfectly reasonable to want to know more about the man you had been wed to.

Streets were saying he was bloodthirsty and ruthless, and more than anything, you just wanted to survive here. And so you found yourself loitering around his quarters— brushing your fingers over unfamiliar furniture, pausing before trinkets to observe them, and studying the paintings lined on the walls.

Thus three hours later, your composure began thinning.

This is ridiculous. With a quiet sigh, you finally resolved to leave. But just before you turned away, something on the cabinet caught your eye.

A long, thin crimson box was there. Driven by curiosity, your hand reached for the box and opened it.

A hairpin. You almost gasped in wonder at the intricate pattern of flowers and design. The craftsmanship was exquisite, definitely made by request.

But then the realization hit you. This was meant for a woman. Did he have a lover—

Or worse, a mistress!?

“Well now… It seems the little princess has taken quite an interest in my belongings.”

Your breath hitched and almost shrieked if it weren’t for your trained decorum. You turned slowly to find Sylus standing in the doorway—arms crossed, eyes sharp, a faint smirk playing at his lips as he watched you caught red-handed.

“Do you always make a habit of inspecting other people’s things,” he drawled, unmistakably amused, “or is it because you feel entitled enough to since we are already married?”

Heat crept up your neck. You straightened at once, lifting your chin high.

“I was not inspecting,” you replied coolly. “I was… lost.”

What were you even saying...? You wanted to whack yourself in the head for blurting the first thing that popped up in your mind.

“In my private chambers,” he retorted. His gaze flicked pointedly to the box in your hand. “With my things.”

You pressed your lips together. “…Briefly lost.”

A low chuckle escaped him, clearly aware of your scheme. Your lord husband stepped forward, unhurried, until he stood before you. For the first time since the wedding, you stood without any prefaces and eyes peering at you.

You regarded him—the way his long silver hair fell into a loose half-ponytail, the way his red eyes gazed at you with quiet intensity. The autarch was handsome, but seeing him this close only drove the truth home.

“If it eases your conscience, it was meant to be given,” Sylus said then, smirking.

“Given...?”

“To you,” he clarified, effortlessly prying the hairpin from your grasp and offering it out once more to you. “Consider it a belated courtesy. Or simply a little trinket a husband wishes to gift his wife.”

You stared at it for half a heartbeat, and flashbacks of how he treated you the past week as if you were nonexistent came to mind, making the servants whisper behind your backs—

“His Excellency doesn’t even come to see her once… Is he repulsed by the princess who has nothing to offer?”

Your pride took over in an instant. With a haughty scoff, you turned your face away.

“I don’t want it.”

“Oh?”

“I hate those common patterns,” you said flatly, feigning indifference. “They’re predictable. If you truly insist on gifting me something, at least choose a better flower, Your Excellency.”

His eyes gleamed with interest. “And what would Her Highness prefer?”

“Datura,” you blurted. “Elegant. Dangerous. Honest about what it is.”

Silence stretched, and you pat yourself mentally for making him speechless— until something shifted in the way he looked at you and Sylus laughed, genuine this time.

“Datura,” he echoed, studying you as though seeing you clearly for the first time. “How fitting.”

He withdrew the hairpin, tucking it back into its box. “Very well. I’ll remember that, my dear wife.”

Your heart thudded, visibly startled with how he addressed you. The irritation still simmered, tangled with disbelief—

As he turned to leave, he paused at the threshold and glanced over his shoulder, smirk returning.

“And for the record, Your Highness… Next time you wish to snoop, you may simply ask.”

After that snooping incident, everything that had come before felt like a trick of the mind—

Because your husband the Autarch, who had barely acknowledged you, now turned his full attention towards you.

The servants were now singing different tune too. “His Excellency visits the princess… again?”

Sylus also smothered you in luxuries. Jewels in velvet boxes. Trinkets of jade and gold. Rare silks. Imported perfumes. All things you never asked for.

And he even invited you regularly for afternoon tea in his prized courtyard.

“Oh, dearest wife? Do come and sit.”

What was this game he was playing? You couldn’t shake the feeling that, somehow, you were the one being played.

Yet to save your face, you rolled your eyes as you took the chair opposite him.

“Seems like my dear lord husband has finally taken an interest in me,” you scoffed. “What a shocking change of heart.”

“Ha.” Sylus tilted his head, feigning thoughtfulness, his silver locks stirring with the wind. “Interested is such a crude word. I’d say… invested.”

“In what, exactly? My continued, humble existence?”

Sylus smiled into his tea. “You think too badly of me. I merely find it refreshing that my wife hasn’t yet learned the art of pretending I’m fascinating.”

You snorted before you could stop yourself. “Fascinating? I’m hardly impressed.”

“You wound me, princess,” he said, tone laced with mock offense. “I suppose I simply haven’t tried hard enough—”

The air suddenly shifted with his movement. He leaned forward, peering at your face.

“—to convince you otherwise.”

His crimson gaze held yours, steady and unblinking, as if studying something rare. His plush lips hovered dangerously close and you unconsciously held your breath—

He reached out and tapped your nose lightly, almost fondly, before leaning back with a satisfied chuckle.

“Smile more often, my princess. You look beautiful when you do.”

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Meanwhile, your heart betrayed you with the way it pounded harder than it should have. The way Sylus looked at you sent warmth into your chest before you could suppress it.

And ever since that day... somehow, despite how unexpected everything was, you felt like you were getting closer to him.

“Take these to the princess’ chambers.”

“All of them, my lord?”

“Did you not hear me?”

The servant nearly squeaked at the steel in Sylus’ tone and hurried off at once, delivering the ridiculous amount of jewels and trinkets to your chambers. Just as Sylus anticipated, he returned not long after—carrying almost everything.

Sylus glanced over the items, searching for what was missing and found it almost instantly—a crimson bracelet he had specifically commissioned. Everything else had been sent back.

Heh. Just as he thought, his new wife was clever, seeking only the best.

For weeks, Sylus had been keeping an eye on you from a distance. He noted the way you carried yourself through his halls with practiced grace, how you boldly faced the chattering maids without flinching, and how you would issue your attendants to do your bidding.

Your restraint, your pride, your barely concealed curiosity… all of it intrigued him far more than he cared to admit.

You were nothing like the fragile ornament everyone assumed you to be, and very similar to the one woman who frequented his dreams.

And that was why Sylus found himself very much invested in the woman he now called his wife.

“Come with me tonight. There’s a lantern festival.”

Whispers about how the merciless ruler of Xianyu was trying to court his new wife had spread amidst all the ranks, and with his blatant invitation and upcoming festival, you felt less like a participant and more like an actress placed under spotlight.

At his command, your chambers were filled with vibrant rows of hanfu. Your maids lifted each one in turn for your inspection. Silks in blood red, moonlit ivory, jade green, and imperial gold— colors bleeding into one another until your head began to spin.

Really, what use did he need to woo you—a princess with nothing to spare? Or was it simply boredom on his part? No matter how you turned it over in your thoughts, nothing quite fit.

In the end, you decided you might as well take advantage of it.

“I want the crimson one,” you declared at last. “Do fix my hair, and make my rouge a shade darker than usual. My lord husband shall be utterly enamored with me.”

You emphasized the last part deliberately. Just as expected, one maid’s eyes widened before she quickly lowered her head.

You would make it so that by nightfall, the entire mansion would hum with the rumor. However, that was actually the least of your concerns, as growing sense of anticipation settling in your chest.

You would get the truth out of Sylus tonight.

. . .

The night unfolded in a wash of warm light and drifting color. Lanterns bobbed overhead, their orange glow reflecting off the river like fallen stars.

Sylus walked beside you at an slow pace as you gazed at the sky in wonder, leading you to the upper part of his pagoda where you could see the flying lanterns better.

After a moment, he looked at you. “Do you want to fly one?” he asked, gesturing toward the lanterns waiting nearby.

You hesitated, then nodded. One of the attendants quickly handed you a lantern, its paper warm and fragile beneath your fingers.

He watched you for a beat. “What do you wish for?”

The question lingered. You stared at the lantern, at the way the light trembled inside it, and for a moment, you said nothing at all. Then, quietly—

“To live my life to the fullest.”

All your life, you had been nothing more than a pawn in someone else’s design. It was a foolish wish, but if you were allowed to want anything at all, that was it.

Sylus didn’t react right away. When he did, his voice was low, certain. “Then you shall.”

You turned to him, failing to hold back a smile. “Oh, really?”

Yet beneath the lightness of your words, there was something unmistakably melancholic in your face, and Sylus noted it in silence.

“Your Excellency, tell me...” suddenly you turned to him. “Why are you doing all of this?”

“Hm?”

“You gain nothing from this alliance with me.” You met his gaze head-on, a slight frown creasing your brow. “Everyone paints you as a fearsome ruler, and you ended up with a useless bride. So why are you doing all this— for me?”

A faint smile curved his lips, as if he had expected this question all along.

“Is there anything wrong with a husband who wants to make his wife happy?”

The way your eyes glittered with stunned disbelief only made his smile grow. Bathed in the amber glow of the sky, draped in his colors and dolled up in a shade that suited you so well— you, his wife, were a sight impossible to look away from.

Sylus’ gaze held yours as the lantern began to lift from your hands.

“Useless or not, what if what I’ve been searching for was never someone useful at all?”

He was mesmerizing. His long hair stirred in the wind, crimson orbs gleaming in the night—yet softened, unmistakably, as they looked at you.

Your heart skipped a beat, warmth rushing to your cheeks. Just before you could calm yourself, suddenly the sight behind Sylus exploded— thousands of lanterns released at once, rising in a radiant tide that swallowed the night sky whole.

“Look.”

You turned, breath catching as the heavens filled with drifting firelight. The sight was overwhelming, breathtaking in a way that left you speechless.

Sylus gazed at you, pulling you closer, and before you could make sense of it, he immediately hoisted you on his knee and flashed you a grin, ready to take off.

“Sylus—!”

The night surged upward in a rush of wind as he leapt, carrying you with him into the sky. Firelight whirled past in glowing streams, thousands of lanterns drifting around you like constellations brought to life.

The air roared in your ears, but surprisingly your breath stolen not by fear, but by the sheer wonder of it all. Suspended among the lights, held securely in his grasp, you could only cling to him as the world fell away beneath you—heart racing, senses alight, squealing as Sylus carried you through the burning night.

And then he set you down atop one of the rooftops, the rush of wind fading as the adrenaline slowly ebbed from your veins. Lantern light washed over the tiles, warm and unsteady, and you found yourself looking up at him.

“Remember this, dearest wife...”

In that moment, you could only stare, utterly captivated— by the man who had set the sky alight for you.

“All the lanterns in the night sky... They would only burn for you.”

You were falling for him.

It was inevitable. Perhaps it was the lantern festival that did it—but how could you not fall for your own husband?

After that night, Sylus let you further into the parts of his life. Silly banters, strolls outside the mansion's walls—all of them revealed a kinder side of him he showed no one else but you.

Quiet evenings spent in his quarters became familiar too.

“Is the wine to your liking?”

You set your cup down after a sip and turned to him with a bright smile. “Mm-hmm.”

“High praise,” Sylus remarked. “I’ll be sure to inform the cellar it has earned your approval.”

Just as you were about to retort, he reached for something at his side and produced a long, narrow box, setting it on the table between you. You blinked at it.

“Open it.”

Your brows knit in confusion, but you did as told. Inside lay a delicate hairpin—its metal shaped into a blooming datura flower, intricate in its detail.

“It’s…” You were immediately reminded of the hairpin you demanded from him weeks ago.

“I have a decent memory,” Sylus said simply, his eyes lingered on your reaction.

Something warm spread through your chest. And in that moment, with the lantern-lit night still lingering in your thoughts and the fact that he had fulfilled your whim, you knew—

—that you have fallen for him wholly.

You looked up, and he was already closer than you remembered.

The rest happened quietly, naturally—your lips meeting his in a burning kiss that tasted faintly of wine.

“Mm… ah...”

And just like that, gone was the measured distance. You clung to his broad shoulders, and Sylus kissed you like he had been holding back for far too long.

You barely had time to gasp before he drove you backward. The world tilted, and you felt the solid press of wooden floor beneath you as he followed, bracing himself above you, pinning you there with effortless strength.

His hand went to your waist, the other caging you in as his lips returned and his tongue entangled with yours— slow, deep, possessive. Heat pooled low in your stomach. You were trapped beneath him, not with fear, but with want—

And neither of you pretended this was anything less than dangerous anymore.

. . .

“Sylus… Ngh...!”

You laid on the sheets still with your robes on, back arching helplessly as the wet sensation between your legs sent you spiraling into bliss.

Nestled between your shamelessly parted thighs was your tyrant of a husband, his face pressed to you—his greedy tongue working on your folds in his pursuit of your pleasure.

It was unlike anything you had felt before. The way Sylus reduced you into a mess of moans left your thoughts in complete disarray.

He looked up to see your expression—his work of art, and exhaled roughly, “Sweet.”

It felt unbearably obscene. Your face had long since gone hot, shame and sensation tangling together until you could hardly tell where one ended and the other began.

Then he inserted one of his fingers into you, and you wailed when he started pumping it in and out.

“Sylus… Sylus...!” Your body tensed, breath hitching as pleasure coiled tighter and tighter, stealing every coherent thought.

Everything narrowed to his rhythm, to the way your pulse raced and your world tilted. You clutched at his hair, helpless, the feeling cresting higher, faster until there was nowhere left to go—

And then it broke.

The release washed over you all at once, leaving you shaking, breathless, utterly undone as unfamiliar wetness burst from that one spot between your legs. You gasped, feeling the fluid smearing your thighs and the mattress.

Sylus eyed you like a lion preying his rabbit. As your juices pooled before him, something in him just became feral at the thought that he was the one catapulting you to pleasure.

“This is your first time... isn’t it?”

Of course it was. But he didn’t an answer to continue.

And just like that, he brought you to your next orgasm through his fingers alone, making you limp and tearful.

“Sylus…” you choked, his name catching in your throat, close to a sob. “S-sto—”

“Do you want me to stop?” His crimson gaze locked onto your teary ones, his fingers gripping yours. “Hmm?”

There was something in the depths of his eyes—an intensity that rooted you in place. For a fleeting moment, even you weren’t certain of your own answer.

“Because if you say so, then I will.”

The haze of your lust clouded you fully. Hearing him telling you this apparently just fueled the unbidden desire inside you.

“D-Don’t…”

The curve of his mouth lifted, slow and knowing. “As you wish, my dearest.”

Sylus shed his robe and showed himself bare to you. You gulped at the sight of his sculpted abs, and even more so when his hands reached for you.

His fingers brushed the robe from your shoulders, then traced down your arms. Each layer he removed felt painfully slow, the air against your skin making you shiver as his touch lingered.

“Most beautiful...” he murmured, voice low and sure, undressing you as if savoring every second.

You were already wet, but your body felt hot when you were left nude before him. He parted your legs and folded your knees, and then you saw it— his veiny, massive girth. Panic overtook you that instant as he was about to ease himself into you.

“W-Will it… fit?” you asked, shock lacing your voice.

Your lord husband lifted a finger to your cheek, brushing it gently. “Have no fear, wife. I will make it so.”

Really? You trusted him…

“—!” But tears spilled the moment he pushed his length into you. The sharp burn, the overwhelming stretch—everything felt too much, too big for you to accommodate. Your fingers clawed at his arms as you pleaded with him to stop.

Even with how drenched he had made you, it was still difficult to take him. The sight of his manhood struggling, half-buried inside your tight frame was both laughable and tantalizing.

Sylus lifted your chin in his hand, forcing you to look at him.

“Hush,” he commanded, fiery garnet eyes filled your vision. “Let me show you... how a man makes love to his woman.”

And then, without restraint, he drove himself fully into you, splitting you open. The sudden force left you gasping—your eyes flying open as a cry tore from your throat.

“Ahh—! Ah, aaah!”

So this was how you were deflowered. The pain of being breached drew more tears from your eyes... But more than the pain, it was the sight that stole your breath—

The faint outline of his bulge shaping your lower belly.

He growled in your ear, “Eyes on me.”

And after that, you weren’t really sure what happened. Sylus began to move and your body followed suit. His thrusts were careful as if giving you time to adjust at first, and slowly, the sting softened, melting into a dizzying rush—

“Hahh...”

The world narrowed to the sound of his grunts grounding you. You were crying, but it also felt good. So damn good when he hit the spot you didn’t know was there that you could do nothing but cling to him and let the feeling carry you under.

And soon, you felt the coil tightening again—

Thrust. It was a rush of sensation that made your back arch and your grip on him tighten.

Thrust. His name trembled from your lips, half sob, half plea, as the pressure spiked, about to burst at its seams—

Sylus searched your face, looking for you to anchor him as he picked up the pace. Your face twisted in pain and pleasure as he corrupted you, and oh, how was he supposed to last with you this enchanting?

Your scream then tore through his chambers—

“Ahhh!”

—as soon as hot ropes of his cum flooded inside your womb and filled you to the brim, the release gushed so hard that his essence spilled out of you. You shook uncontrollably under him, a mess of tears and lust, thoroughly bred.

Ah, his dearest wife was so good... just like he imagined.

. . .

It was rough for your first time, so he made up for it afterwards during the aftercare.

His lips traced reverent paths over your skin, never hurried, never careless. He treated every of your sighs like something sacred, caressing you as if you were something precious entrusted to him alone.

“Warm now?” he asked with a smile as he pulled you into his embrace. You were spent and damp with sweat, body pliant as you sank against him.

“Mmm…” you murmured against him, arms sliding around his back. Sylus drew you closer, a quiet warmth blooming in his chest at the simple act.

Too long. He had waited an eternity for this. In his dreams, it had always been the same image—the girl who dared to befriend the dragon, who offered him her love without fear. That vision bound him to her soul.

At first, he kept his distance, unwilling to frighten the unfortunate girl cast aside by her horrible family to become his wife. But then you were the one who sought him out—and the moment he saw you up close, he knew.

You were the very same woman who had lived in his dreams all along.

And now that fate had brought you back to him in this lifetime…

He would not let you go so easily again.

From that point on, you no longer returned to your old chambers. You lived in his quarters instead, and night after night, Sylus made love to you.

So it came as no surprise at all to anyone in the mansion when you fell pregnant.

You carried the signs of pregnancy beautifully. Sylus noticed it most of all—how you looked fuller, softer, luminous in a way that made his gaze linger with reverence.

“Ah… Sylus…”

You had thought he would keep his distance after you became with child, but he did the opposite. He adored you all the more.

His hands roamed your fuller hips, before his lips brushed a tender kiss to the soft curve of your belly— taking pride in his seed that had taken root and been growing inside you, then slowly traveled upward, lingering at your breasts, now exquisitely sensitive to his touch.

“Ah, ahh…” you panted as his teeth grazed and suckled you, while his two sinful fingers working on your swollen clit, coaxing helpless sounds from your throat. Amidst all the haze, at the same time, you felt a soft movement within your womb—a quiet reminder of the life stirring there.

A love secured. A future growing beneath your heart. You felt safe, blessed, complete. This must be the height of happiness.

You weren’t sure if your fates were written in the stars, but if it did then at last, you knew why the fates brought you two together in this life...

It’s so you can share your soul with his, once again.

. . .

One night, long after the mansion had fallen into silence, Sylus brought you outside beneath an open sky. Stars stretched endlessly above, as though the heavens themselves were watching.

He stood behind you, both of his hands came to rest over your abdomen, calloused palms protective of the little life growing beneath it.

You leaned into him instinctively.

“It won’t be long now,” you murmured, a gentle smile touching your lips, your fingers laced with his. You had begun to feel sporadic contractions these days—a quiet warning of what was to come. The thought of childbirth frightened you, but your excitement to see your baby outweighed it still.

Sylus lowered his head and pressed a soft kiss to the side of your neck, lingering there. “Then it’s only fitting that I gift you something when our child arrives. Tell me, what do you want?”

You didn’t answer right away. Your gaze drifted upward, deep in thought. Then, suddenly, an idea bloomed, clear and certain.

“I want a comb... Carved with three datura blossoms.”

Sylus let out a low chuckle, the sound vibrating against your back. His arms tightened around you, amused and fond all at once—as though your answer pleased him more than anything else could have.

“Then you shall have it, dearest wife.”

Beneath the endless heavens, wrapped securely in his embrace, was someone precious to his tender heart.

Across lifetimes, fate had returned you to him time and time again. And yet, he had never believed in destiny—nor in the mercy of unseen hands guiding his path.

He believed in choice. In will. In what he could reach out and claim with his own hands.

And he chose you. That was why you were, and always would be—

The conqueror’s dearest.

[starmocha]

Bride of the Dragon King

[Sylus/Reader ★ 17.3k words ★ Masterlist ★ BOTDK Masterlist ★ AO3] "My beloved, do you still love me?" INDEX — Prelude A/N: 👉👈 Did I write like 80% of this in 2024? Yes. Was I supposed to have been editing it in 2025? Also yes. 🙂

(I am waiting to meet you again, my beloved.)

The morning light streamed into the room, passing the narrow cracks of the wooden blinds. You slowly opened your eyes, hearing birds chirping outside and people bustling around the courtyard. It felt like you had been asleep for a very long time, lost in a dream you didn’t want to leave from.

The dream…

There was a man—or, at least he appeared to be a man. That much you knew. He didn’t seem to be completely human. There was an ethereal beauty about him, a certain grace that you did not see around here—not even from nobility.

His eyes were as red as ruby, his stare so piercing and cold, but the moment they rested on you, his gaze softened, filling you with such warmth and peace. You turned in bed, eyes closed again as you moaned softly in frustration. You couldn’t remember much else from the dream other than the feeling that you may have had similar dreams before. It seemed lately you had been having such dreams and waking up only retaining fragments.

You sighed as you heard your name being called by your handmaiden, Tara. Silently, you sat up just as she entered your bedchamber with a familiar look of frustration etched across her youthful feature.

“Are you still lounging, Miss?” There was a hint of exasperation in her tone, even though she herself should be used to your languidness by now. After all, Tara had been assigned as your handmaiden and companion since you two were just mere children. In all honesty, you viewed Tara as more like a close friend—perhaps, even as sisters—than a servant. She had been by your side for so long, your only companion growing up, and you and she have shared so many secrets throughout the years, it went beyond a relationship between master and servant.

“I’m up, I’m up,” you said, your own vexation heard loud and clear.

“If it were up to me, I would not care if you waste the day away in bed, Miss,” Tara said, tsking, as she rummaged through your wardrobe for fresh clothes, “But Madam has been questioning your whereabouts all morning. I can only fib for so long before she gets wise.”

“Yes, yes,” you said unenthusiastically. You looked at Tara, curiosity brimming in your eyes. “Wait, Grandma has returned from her trip already?”

“She has,” Tara answered, smiling as she pulled out a delicate pink hanfu. “She is running some errands in town for a bit, but she said she will be back this afternoon.”

You frowned. “She’s just got back and she is already busy running around town?”

“She said something about needing some last-minute ingredients,” Tara mumbled offhandedly. “Now, now, Miss, hurry up. I have your morning tea prepared in the garden.”

“Yes, yes,” you answered back half-heartedly as Tara helped you changed.

It was a lovely early summer morning, the weather still in between slowly transitioning from the brisk spring air to that warm summer breeze. You had been idly describing bits and pieces of the dreams you had been having lately to Tara, though the scattered fragments left both of you confused by the meaning or overall picture.

“So, what happened next, my lady?”

You looked to your handmaiden as she set a tray of mid-morning snacks on the round stone table in the garden. You stared into your teacup; the warm floral scent of lotus wafted in the air. You tried to recall more of the dream you were telling her, but it was all just mismatched puzzle pieces. You sighed helplessly.

“I woke up.”

“And you say there is always the same man in your dream?”

You nodded. “I believe so,” you said, “He was… tall, has long white hair… really piercing red eyes… and… and…”

“And?”

“He was so…”

“So what?”

“Ethereal.”

Tara laughed. “Miss, you are blushing.”

“Ah—am I?” You covered your face in embarrassment. You sulked. “I am not. The sun is just a little warmer today.”

“Uh huh,” Tara answered with a disbelieving smile.

Before you could respond, you heard light chirpings in the air. You smiled as you saw two little identical gray sparrows landing on the table. They hopped around, observing the array of snacks with gluttonous interest.

“Oh, shoo—”

You quickly stopped Tara. “Wait. Don’t. It’s alright,” you said, smiling. “They can have a little snack.”

Tara looked puzzled as you broke off small pieces of the osmanthus cake and scattered it on the table. The two birds happily pecked at the crumbs. You laughed.

“I was wondering when you two would show up today,” you teased, reaching out to lightly stroke the top of one bird’s head. It chirped happily.

Tara looked at you curiously. “Miss, have you been feeding these birds lately?”

You nodded. “They have started showing up… I think three weeks ago? Almost always around this time,” you explained. You held out two fingers and the second bird flew up to perch. You gingerly caressed its head with one finger, smiling as the bird seemed to enjoy your gentle ministration. “They don’t appear to be scared of me, or maybe the cakes I have to offer is too enticing to ignore.”

You laughed when the two birds seemed to chirp loudly in indignation at your implied accusation.

“Alright, alright,” you said, smiling, “You two are not little gluttons. Oh—”

You looked up in surprise when the two sparrows took off, flying away from the garden. You smiled resignedly. “I think they’re peeved at me now.”

Tara hummed thoughtfully as she cleaned up the leftover crumbs. “Speaking of sudden arrival… Did you hear that someone has moved into the manor on the lake?”

You looked at Tara with interest. The manor in question, for as long as you could remember, had always been vacant, but peculiarly even without anyone living there for decades, it remained in a pristine state, as if it was resistant to the corrosion of time. Located on the outskirt of town, surrounded by a lake filled with lotus, you rarely ever saw anyone venturing near it. You wondered who the new master of the manor could be.

“Do you know who it could be, Tara?”

“Hmm,” she pondered as she sat down next to you. “I believe Madam Josephine said the young master’s name is Shin.”

“Shin?”

She nodded. “I believe the manor has been in his family’s ownership for generations.”

You picked up your teacup and swirled it around thoughtfully before you took a sip, the warmth and soothing fragrance calmed your nerves. You eyed Tara suspiciously. “Grandma is not planning something, is she?”

“About that…”

You slammed the half-empty cup down on the table and droplets of tea splattered on the surface. “No, I am not going to be part of another matchmaking scheme of hers!”

You stood up and Tara looked panicked. “Oh, Miss, wait—”

“What do you mean ‘Miss’?” you looked at her, tone changing. You feigned confusion, the sudden behavior change making Tara squirmed uncomfortably in place. You continued speaking with a suggestive undertone in your voice, “Miss Tara, are you perhaps, confused? Maybe you should… go inside… and rest.”

Tara frowned at you helplessly. “Miss, I cannot masquerade as you again! Last time, Madam nearly had me beaten!”

“Grandma would never,” you said, scolding her. “Don’t get caught this time then.”

“Wait, wait, Miss!”

Tara followed helplessly after you as you raced for the garden wall. You climbed a plum tree and then over to the stone wall that fenced the property. You sat atop and looked down at your anxious maid with sympathy.

“I’m sorry, Tara,” you said sincerely, “It’s not that I want to put you into this position…”

“Then why are you?!” she demanded, losing her polite demeanor momentarily.

You smiled. “I know Grandma is trying to find me a good husband, but…” You grimaced as you recalled all of the men who had shown up to your home in the last year alone. “I want to be like those two sparrows… and fly away from this place.”

“Miss…”

“I won’t let Grandma beat you,” you promised, adding, “I’ll be back this evening. I promise. Just stay in my room for a few hours.”

“Miss—"

As you started to jump off the wall, you noticed belatedly another figure standing beneath. At this point, you were already falling, and in a panicked voice, you cried out to the person below:

“W-watch out!”

Your eyes squeezed shut, bracing yourself for the inevitable hard ground.

It never came.

Instead, you found yourself landing into a pair of strong arms. You looked up cautiously, gasping when you saw ruby red eyes. You blinked once and looked again.

They were brown.

For a moment, you were confused before you realized what had happened. A blush crept across your cheeks, and your nervous stammer only heightened your embarrassment by the current situation. “I-I’m so sorry! I did not mean to land on you like that—”

You winced when you heard your grandmother yelling your name in frustration as she and a group of house servants raced out the gate to you and this sudden visitor.

The man chuckled and you looked up sheepishly.

“I… can you… let me down?”

He raised a brow at you.

“Please?”

He shook his head in amusement, his chuckles barely restrained. He spoke cordially; his voice deeper than you expected. “Well, since you asked so nicely, my lady.”

As you were lowered to your feet, your grandmother’s approaching footsteps forced you to redirect your attention from the man himself to the current awkward situation. She quickly scolded you before turning to the stranger, bowing and apologizing profusely, “I am so sorry, Master Shin! I had no idea my troublesome granddaughter would do that.”

You blinked.

Master Shin?

You looked at the man in question. Long, dark hair that went down to his waist. He dressed in an all-black hanfu, his appearance and demeanor exuding the grace of nobility.

“Come, come,” Josephine ushered you both into the manor, and as you followed in after Shin, you yelped when your grandmother swatted your bottom. As you rubbed your sore buttocks, she whispered to you harshly, “Do not mess this one up, darling.”

You grumbled in the back of your mind, but outwardly, you gave your grandmother an obedient smile.

As your grandmother and Shin chatted, you sat between them at the low square table, serving tea. You poured a cup and politely offered it to Shin. He smiled as he took it from you, seemingly unable to take his eyes off of you. The complete attention from this stranger made you squirm, but a barely subtle warning cough from your grandmother had you straightening your posture again.

“I am still unfamiliar with the town,” Shin said suddenly, his eyes still hovering on you, “Would the young Miss be so kind as to be my guide and escort and help me familiarize with the place?”

You wanted to protest, but one sharp glare from Josephine had you smiling stiffly and agreeing reluctantly. “I would be… pleased to accompany you, Master Shin,” you said through half-gritted teeth and a forced smile. You noticed out of the corner of your eye your grandmother trying to maintain her composure with even breathing. She gave you another glare and you instinctively straightened your posture once more.

“Splendid. Let’s schedule for the day after tomorrow,” Shin said, apparently not noticing the silent exchange between you and your grandmother. “There are still some businesses I have to take care of around the manor.”

You nodded in understanding. The time passed as Shin and your grandmother made small talks. You took this time to observe him, your head tilting a little in curiosity, feeling a peculiar familiarity about him. Although the hair and eye colors were different, everything else about him seemed to almost remind you of—

“Do I have something on my face, Miss?”

You startled, broken out of your daze. You flustered in embarrassment, realizing you had been staring at him for far longer than you had intended. You heard your grandmother coughing again and clearing her throat. She gave you another barely discreet warning look.

“I apologize, Master Shin—”

“No need for formalities,” he interrupted, smirking, “Shin would be fine.”

“I—I couldn’t. It wouldn’t be proper—”

Your words were cut short as Shin smiled at you. “I think if we are to be wedded, we should familiarize ourselves better, wouldn’t you agree, Madam Josephine?”

Your grandmother immediately perked at his inquiry. To your chagrin, she immediately sided with Shin.

The hours passed with various small talks, though you remained mostly silent, opting out of the conversations almost entirely. It didn’t really seem like Shin or your grandmother even noticed your lack of contribution, their talks continuing merrily despite your glum mood.

When Shin left later in the afternoon, your grandmother pulled you aside. With her arm looped through yours, you walked together through the garden making idle talks.

“Young Master Shin is a good man,” your grandmother commented.

“What do you know about him?” you inquired, unpleased, “We have only just met today. He seems… odd.”

“Darling, do not resist this match,” your grandmother continued, “I will not be around forever to take care of you. I wish to see you married off to a good man. I will not be able to rest easy until I know you will be taken care of.”

You felt an uncomfortable knot in the pit of your stomach. You reached up with your free hand to pat your grandmother’s. You forced a smile on your face. “What are you talking about, Grandma? You are going to live to be a hundred. You’ll probably even live longer than me—”

“Hush,” she chided you, “Do not say such ill words.”

You bit down on your bottom lip, feeling a tightness in your chest. Quietly, you leaned your head lightly against hers, and in that moment, she stroked your hair in comfort, an act reminiscent to many other moments during your childhood under her care.

“I’m sorry, Grandma.”

“Hush,” she said again, “Everything will be alright, darling. Grandma will take care of you.”

You hummed softly, your shoulders relaxing, and the walk continued in peaceful silence.

On the outskirt of town, a large manor stretched far and wide. Its large stone walls fenced the property, keeping trespassers out. Inside the walls, magnolia trees surrounded the property, and only recently did they started transitioning from their pink blossoms to green leaves. In the center of the courtyard, a large pond was situated, and a lone magnolia tree bearing red flowers, stood grander than the others, overlooking the body of water filled with koi fish of various colors and unique patterns. Around the courtyard were different buildings and housing—all vacant.

The manor had long been abandoned with no master in sight and no servants to serve. Decades after decades, the manor stood in silence, appearing just as new as the day it was erected. Not a crack in the buildings, nor corrosion in the stone pathways, the manor remained pristine, as if it was in its own realm.

Today, however, a new master had come to stake claim on this forgotten manor, seizing back what was always his.

“Master Sylus!”

Sylus looked up from viewing the koi pond, seeing two little sparrows descending, engulfed for a brief moment in a black mist. When the mist dissipated, two identical men dressed in all black were knelt on the ground, bowing respectfully to their master.

“Luke, Kieran,” Sylus spoke up, acknowledging the two men, “And where have you two been?”

“We were just returning from the young Miss’ manor,” Kieran answered, standing up alongside his twin.

“Funny,” Sylus quipped, unamused, “I was just there myself and did not see you two anywhere on the property.”

Luke and Kieran froze. Luke cleared his throat and stuttered, “Well, you see—”

Sylus sighed. “I have asked you two to monitor her, and instead, you have been indulging in little cakes these past few weeks.”

“It’s not our fault the young Miss likes to feed us,” Luke protested.

“I mean, I suppose we could visit her when it’s not teatime…”

“Quiet—”

“Never mind,” Sylus interrupted. “In any case, our introduction was made today.”

Luke and Kieran looked at Sylus curiously.

“So soon?” Kieran questioned.

“Not soon enough,” Sylus responded, “I will not let her slip away this time.”

(When this is all over…

Your heart pounded in your chest as you took in the wasteland before you. Your body felt weighed down by the heavy armor you wore and in your hand was a hefty sword, stained with the fresh blood of so many men. All around you was the dying groans and warring cries of soldiers on both sides.

Crimson blood flowed like a river to your feet, the stench of death hung heavy in the air. If there was a Hell on earth, you were sure this was it. You breathed in sharply and then cried out, “Raise the shields!”

Soldiers echoed your cry and in quick successions, iron shields were raised to block the oncoming volley of arrows from the opposite side. You held out under the protective barrier, gritting your teeth as you listened to the successive barrages of arrows hitting metal.

“Move forward!” you ordered, and immediately your comrades followed the command and barreled down the enemies with the shields, crushing them under the weight of heavy boots. As soldiers fell from exhaustion and enemy attacks, you moved forward, your hands gripping your sword and slashing down enemies one after another with quick reflexes.

You panted, feeling your muscles burned and ached, but rest was the furthest thing from your mind in this moment. Your eyes focused on the citadel you needed to seize for your kingdom. You raced forward and struck down many more oncoming enemy soldiers.

“Raise the shields!” You cried once more, and as one by one, soldiers obeyed your command, you leapt atop and ran nimbly across the shields, deflecting the oncoming arrows with your blade. As you closed in on the wall, soldiers beneath you propelled you upward with their shields and you leapt over the wall, determined eyes zeroed in on the opposing commander, his shocked expression reflected in your eyes.

Immediately, you ruthlessly brought your sword down, the sharp blade meeting flesh and a sharp cry ripped from the man’s throat. You inhaled quickly and pulled your sword back out, dodging his retaliation before his own weapon could slice your side. You quickly countered the oncoming attacks, the din of metal against metal reverberated in the air. With each step back, you found yourself stumbling, falling down the wall to the sea of raging soldiers beneath.

“Catch her!” Soldiers below you cried out and you felt your fall broken by your loyal men catching you. You were lifted and you bounced back to your feet, your determination unwavering.

When it is all over… When there is peace again in our kingdom… We will be together again… In this life… We will be together…

The promise you had made to him rang in your mind. His look of resignation was still etched in your memory, as was his voice, so firm and unyielding:

Commander… I will follow you straight to Hell.

You rushed forward, yelling until your throat was raw. Adrenaline masked your exhaustion as you struck down men after men, the number of lives you had taken rapidly climbing higher. Closer and closer, you could feel victory within your reach. You would bring honor to your men, to your emperor, your kingdom—your family. The future you yearned for, the peace you wished for the children you would have, the life with him—everything you had ever desired would be yours after this day. Almost… Almost—

You staggered, choking.

“Commander!”

“She’s been struck!”

“Commander, watch out!”

You looked at the arrow that pierced through your deteriorated armor and into your chest, and before you could even register what had happened, you felt a deep, sharp pain, feeling a sword plunging straight through your stomach. You gagged and then choked out some blood. Your scream resounded in the barren land as the sword was pulled out without mercy.

As you fell, you heard your name screamed out. You lay on the ground, bleeding out and panting, your vision growing weaker. Through your blurred vision, you could see the enemy sword about to be swung down again. You closed your eyes, and waited.

You heard another scream, and then a dull thud and the clatter of a sword hitting the ground.

You slowly opened your eyes, your heart pounding as you saw a head laying opposite of you, the man’s eyes still wide open in horror. It was an enemy soldier. It was… your attacker.

“Stay with me. You will be alright.”

You felt your body lifted, pressed closer to another’s. You looked up and you whimpered, scared. You didn’t think you had ever felt fear before in your life. You were always so reckless, so headstrong, so bold, but now… you felt fear. Felt remorse. Felt… ashamed.

“Sylus…”

He stared back, his breathing heavy. “You will be alright,” he repeated, almost sounding more like he was speaking to himself.

You shakily reached up and touched his cheek. “I’m… I’m sorry…”

He looked shocked. “What?”

“My… promise…”

He shook his head. “This time it will come true… This time—”

Your breathing was ragged and you felt trickles of tears flowed down your marred cheeks. “…I… you…”

“Stay with me, stay with me—” he said vehemently.

“I’m… I’m… sor…”

As your eyes closed, your breathing slowing and consciousness fading away, you heard a deafening inhuman roar and the terrified screams of men on both sides.

Long after the battle ended, silence followed the annihilation.

Within the wasteland, the wind whistled, and one lone man sobbed as he cradled his fallen lover—his screaming curse ignored by the heavens.)

You woke up screaming, your face covered in cold sweats. You felt your body shaking, your heart pounding against your chest. Fresh hot tears ran down your face as your mind was still reeling from what you had just dreamt. This was the most lucid dream you have had yet, and for once, you wished you could forget this vision.

Shaking and gasping, you could hear that damning whistle of the wind piercing through a silenced battleground. Eyes closed, you heaved, trembling almost as if you could feel that sole surviving soldier’s arms around you.

You had not expected Shin to arrive at the house so early in the morning. After the dream—nightmare?—you had, you could barely fall back to sleep. Or rather, you were afraid to fall back to sleep, too scared that you could revisit that same dream all over again. Even now you could still hear the deafening groans and cries of dying men.

You could even… see him.

Sylus? You repeated the name experimentally in your mind. It seemed so foreign, and yet, very familiar, as if you had said his name so many times before in your life. How peculiar.

“Miss, Miss, please wake up! Master Shin has arrived and is awaiting you.”

“I don’t care,” you mumbled back sleepily, still caught somewhere between dream and reality. Your mind continued to wander back to that soldier. That man who cradled you in his arms, his face etched with utter despair and… anger.

Barely conscious, you were dragged out of bed by Tara, who fussed and chided you nonstop as you continued to sleep. You allowed her full control over your morning grooming, her personal compliant doll to dress and style as she saw fit.

“Honestly, Miss, will you continue to laze like this after becoming Master Shin’s wife?” Tara sighed as she brushed your hair.

Eyes still closed, you mumbled sleepily, mildly irritated, “Who said I was marrying him…”

“Madam Josephine,” Tara answered, not missing a beat. She rolled her eyes and intentionally brushed your hair harder, stirring you awake when she yanked out strands of your long hair.

“Ow!” You looked behind you, glaring. “Whose side are you on?”

“The one that feeds and houses me,” she continued with a smug smile.

“Hmph, some friend.”

“I am merely concerned about your future, Miss,” she said, brushing your hair more gently again. “Miss…”

“What is it?”

“Will…”

You looked behind you expectantly, sensing Tara’s hesitancy. “Go on,” you urged with a gentler smile.

“Will you allow me to continue serving you after you become the young master’s wife?”

You were shocked by Tara’s words, taking a few seconds longer to process them. Slowly, you smiled, your hands gripping hers. “Is that even a concern?”

She smiled. “You best hurry along, Miss. The young master is waiting.”

You rolled your eyes. “Then let him wait—”

Your grandmother’s voice rang from across the manor, and you winced at the sound of your name. You looked up just in time to catch Tara stifling her snickers. “Yes, yes, Madam Josephine,” you half-muttered as you stood up, straightening your clothes. You didn’t get far from your room when you heard Tara’s cheerful voice behind you:

“Miss, have fun with your future groom!” Tara teased with a wave, and you turned around, shooting her the dirtiest look you could mustered.

It was nearing midmorning when you and Shin walked through town together. You showed him the local businesses and eyed the many stands and stalls that lined the streets. The current situation had you feeling a little unnerved, unused to being alone in a man’s presence for this long. You could feel your throat drying, sure that your voice was trembling and cracking as you spoke. It didn’t help that you kept catching him staring at you with such keen interest, and instead of looking away in embarrassment at being caught, he smirked.

This bastard…

You wondered if all men were as shameless as him. To freely gaze upon a maiden, and in public no less.

“What’s going on over there?”

“Huh?” You looked in the direction Shin was gesturing and noticed a large crowd had formed. You perked up. “Oh, there is a performance happening. Let’s go watch.”

You and he walked over, joining the excited crowd. Shin stood a head taller than everyone, easily seeing the performance from his vantage point while you yourself was struggling to glimpse in between shoulders of the people in front of you. You gasped suddenly when you felt a hand on your arm, grabbing and pulling you to the side. You looked up in annoyance, freezing when you realized it was Shin. He motioned back to the play with a tilt of his head, and you realized he had found you a spot to comfortably watch. You smiled sheepishly, but nodded in gratitude.

The performers were acting out a story: Long ago, the mortal realm was ravaged by a monster—a dragon, to be precise. He ruled without remorse, demanding fair maidens to be his brides. Villages in the surrounding areas offered their most beautiful maidens in order to appease this beast. Once spirited away to be brides to the Dragon King, the young maidens were never heard from again.

One day, a young warrior decried the atrocities, unwilling to see the maiden he loved betrothed to a monster. He traversed alone up the mountains to where the Dragon King lived and with his wit and bravery, he plunged his sword into the dragon’s chest, carving out the heart to bring back to his village as proof of his heroics.

The crowd watched with rapt attention, gasping as they watched the hero slay the dragon and witnessing the beast succumbing to death. Loud cheers erupted and applauses sounded as the hero was praised by the onlookers.

You yourself cheered with glee, clapping and laughing in joy at witnessing such a moving and heroic act. Expecting the haughty young master to be impressed with the play, you wanted to catch Shin in a moment of defenselessness, so you stole a glance. You paused mid-clap, startled to see his expression blank, almost icy even. He wasn’t moved by the storyline of the hero wanting to save his lover. He didn’t seem impressed by the hero’s act of bravery. There was no emotion on his face, and yet, you wondered if you were misreading him, but you were almost certain, you could discern a gleam of complete contempt in his eyes.

You barely knew Shin, but in the hours that you had spent listening to him conversed with your grandmother so politely and jovially, and the entire morning spent making idle talks, you had only seen this carefree and affable side of him. This sudden demeanor change was unexpected. You wondered what could be going on in his head—wondered why this mere performance could evoke such a feeling of disdain from the young man in your company.

From the corner of your eye, you could see staff members from the acting troupe walking around holding out a woven basket to receive money for their performance. Coins jingled as people deposited their money into the basket, praises for the play heard all around. Children were already laughing and reenacting the scene of the hero slaying the dragon.

As you were reaching for your own coin purse, Shin immediately grabbed your wrist, pulling you away from the crowd. You gasped from the feeling of his large hand wrapped so tightly around your wrist. “Do not waste your money on such lies, Miss,” he said calmly, but the edge in his voice was palpable. He dragged you away, not looking back, and you struggled with his quick pace. You stumbled along, your eyes staring at his tensed, broad back. His grip tightened even further.

“Sh-Shin! You’re hurting me!”

He stopped suddenly and you nearly collided into his back. Slowly, he turned around, offering you an apologetic look.

“My apologies, Miss,” he said, letting go immediately.

You rubbed your sore wrist, unsure if you should question his sudden demeanor change. He appeared distracted, his body still tensed, almost as if he was trying to stay in control of his emotions. You wondered why he was so provoked by such a harmless play, but you decided it didn’t seem appropriate to question someone you barely knew with such curiosity.

In that moment, you caught sight of a vendor selling confections on the side of the road. Delectable little treats lined his quaint stall as he tried to entice passersby.

“Let’s… let’s eat some mung bean cakes,” you said instead, hoping to return to the earlier light atmosphere you had shared with Shin that morning before the play.

“Mung bean cakes?” He looked down at you, his head tilting in confusion. It seemed this worked, you thought with relief, sensing his mood was already more relaxed than it was seconds ago.

You smiled and nodded. You dragged him over to the vendor and ordered several. You paid and thanked the seller as you receive your paper bag of sweets.

As you walked down the busy street with Shin, you reached into the bag and pulled out one little round cake that was formed in an intricate mold. Some had delicate filigrees impressed atop as a pattern while others formed a fully blossomed flower.

You handed one to Shin, smiling. “Look. This one is so pretty. It looks like a flower.”

He took the offered confection. He held the little cake in his hand, confused. You frowned.

“If you don’t want it, then I’ll eat it—” As you attempted to swipe back the cake, Shin easily held it above you out of your reach. You cursed his astounding height. A futile attempt, but you still tried to jump and grab it back.

“I never said I didn’t want it,” he argued, poking you in the forehead.

“Ah—what was that for?!” You placed a hand over your forehead, glaring at him.

“How dare this greedy young miss tried to take back what she had given away,” he said teasingly. He leaned his face in closer to yours, his smirk returning, his voice carrying heavy shades of mischievousness. “Once you give someone something, there are no takebacks.”

You huffed, and he laughed, taking a bite. “Delicious,” he said, his deep voice making your heart quickened and your belly flipped and flopped. You could almost feel your cheeks warming up at the sound of his laughter. He held the half-eaten confection toward you. “You should try some, Miss.”

“This isn’t proper,” you scolded him, reaching into the paper bag for a new cake as he finished the one he held. You continued, “There are many more in the bag. We do not need to share—”

You gasped when his large hand wrapped around your wrist again, and with one firm tug, you were pulled to him. Before you could react, Shin took a bite from the mung bean cake you held in your hand. Your face really did burn up this time as you looked at him, shocked. Meanwhile, Shin responded with a playful grin, licking his lips. “Just as I had thought. This tastes even more delicious from your hand, Miss.”

“Young Master!”

“Shin,” he corrected you, “I want you to use my name, Miss.”

You gritted your teeth, glaring at his face still so close to yours. You could almost sense the scandalized eyes on you both and it just made your face burned hotter. “Shin,” you said slowly, annoyed, “This isn’t proper behavior for a young man and woman to display in public.”

“Why not?” he challenged you with a smirk, “We are to be wedded, are we not?”

Not! you held the word back, almost certain that the moment you spat that in his irritating face, your dear grandmother would appear out of thin air to make you grovel for her mercy before she sent you to meet your maker.

“Nothing has been determined,” you said as evenly as you could.

“Yet,” he said, adding haughtily, “Miss, I always get what I want.”

You gasped as he held your chin, pulling you closer to his face. His voice grew softer, more alluring, “And what I want is you.”

You weren’t sure why, but you instinctively squeezed your eyes shut, nervous and scared. A moment passed, and nothing happened. You slowly opened your eyes, your cheeks now red with mortification, as Shin laughed and reached into your paper bag to retrieve another mung bean cake. He took a bite, smirking in amusement at the rather pathetic sight of you.

“Y-You…!” You unconsciously raised your fist at him. Politeness be damned, you thought in that moment, not caring if Grandma Josephine did appear from around the corner to hurl a sandal at your head. You were going to give this man a piece of your mind!

“Ah—Shin!”

You fumbled, not expecting him to suddenly grab your face in his large hand. Shin held your face, squeezing tightly. He laughed. “It is like two little baos,” he teased, gesturing to your round cheeks.

You gripped at his arm, whining, “Shin, it hurts! Stop it!”

He gave you another squeeze before letting go, amused by the glare you directed at him. He dragged you into his arms, his cheek nuzzling against yours. “You are so cute,” he murmured, his breathy voice making you shiver. “I feel like I just want to eat you up.”

You felt your stomach doing flips again, his tone while still playful had heavy seductive undertones. You inhaled sharply. “Don’t tease me like that,” you said, pulling away, embarrassed by his behavior and mortified that passerby kept whispering and eyeing the two of you in disapproval.

He looked amused, not caring about others’ reactions like you were. His eyes only saw you. “Why not?”

You blushed and looked away, feigning annoyance. “It is indecent.”

“Improper… impolite… indecent…” he said almost mockingly with a laugh, “My, my, Miss, you are much more of a prude than I would have expected.”

You glared again. “Or rather than me being a prude, you are too much of a scoundrel.”

“Is that so?”

You started to walk away with a huff. “I have never met a young master as ill-bred such as you, Shin.”

You paused, startled when he easily caught up to you. He stood before you, his smile unwavering. He leaned down and reached for your free hand. He held it to his lips and with a tilt of his head, he whispered, “Then I am honored to be seen as unique in your eyes, my bride.”

You could feel your cheeks turning pink. You tried to act indifferent, scoffing, “Delusional.”

He laughed, and you wondered why it warmed your heart so much to hear such carefree joy from him.

(Win the Emperor’s favor and you will know of riches beyond your wildest dreams.

At merely eighteen, those were the final words your mother had said to you before you departed for the Palace alongside many other maidens within the country who wished to be chosen as the Emperor’s concubines. Within your town, you were regaled as the fairest. Men sweettalked, unashamedly placing you within the same plane as celestial maidens and fairies. Women eyed you with envy, their compliments like acid, but you always smiled back, matching poisonous wits with even the greenest of them all.

You would have no problem surviving within the dark, manipulative royal court, and you would certainly have no issue stealing the Emperor’s heart.

Or so you thought.

The Emperor did not deign choosing concubines as worthy of his fleeting, precious time. Lined up outside the Royal Palace in the courtyard, young maidens from all regions stood tall, dressed in the finest of silk and groomed their absolute best, as they waited with bated breath as eunuchs walked down the line, surveying the young women, looking for ones to fit their unknown list of criteria.

You stood near the end, and you had seen many women—all graceful beauties—passed with a look of disdain. You held your breath, feeling doubts settling in, your confidence shaken for the first time in your young life. When the eunuchs stopped in front of you, their eyes traveling up and down in observation, you felt your heart stilling, waiting.

It could have been merely a few seconds, but to you, it felt like time had stopped. When one of the eunuchs nodded in approval, noting your name on the scroll he carried, you let out the breath you held. You bowed in respect.

“It will be my honor to serve my Emperor,” you said, keeping your voice steeled and steady, though inside you could feel your heart pounding.

Time passed since you were chosen. You received your own quarter in a forgotten area of the palace ground. For an inexperienced concubine, it was a comfortable living quarter with plenty of foliage to keep your mood uplifted as you waited for the Emperor to call upon you.

There were many maidens chosen that day to be part of his harem. It wasn’t unusual that he did not call you your first night.

Or the next.

Or even the following.

You had enough servants to tend to you. You were dressed exclusively in finery and served delicious food prepared by the royal cook. You told yourself that this was a good life. You knew no hardship and you were expected little. Your days were filled with idle entertainment as you waited.

You played the guzheng, or rather, you played one song on the guzheng, over and over again. A melody had come to you in your dreams. It was melancholic, bearing the heavy weight of loss, yearning, and desperation. You could never finish the song, having always woken up before you heard the ending, but you still played day after day, night after night. In a forgotten corner of the palace, beneath a magnolia tree outside the sleeping quarter, a guzheng could be heard, the song playing calling out, a plea to be seen and heard.

You waited.

Some days you would pick up a brush, your graceful inked strokes always creating the same image, or to be precise, the same person. You didn’t know why, but your chest tightened with pain as you stared at the man on paper. You didn’t know him. He was merely someone from your dreams, but oh how you yearned to stay in the land of unconsciousness, where this silvery-white haired man embraced you like a lover, showered you with kisses, and lavished you with sweet murmurs of affections.

Next to his portrait, you carefully wrote out the characters, My beloved.

You stared at the delicate characters, chest throbbing, your breathing coming out in short gasps. Droplets of tears fell on the paper. You could hear his voice, so rich and passionate. Your name always sounded so heavenly when he said it, always spoken with such revere and devotion.

You yearned for him. For a man who didn’t exist.

You crumbled the paper, like you always did. The Emperor could come at any moment. It would be indecent and punishable to find another man’s portrait in your room. You crumbled the paper even further, and threw it into the hearth, watching with pain as it burned and turned to ashes.

You waited.

You had your maids bring you books, anything to fill your endless time. Your eyes skimmed over the characters one word at a time, reading of handsome heroes who saved fair maidens from demon kings or of star-crossed lovers who only have one night together before they were to be separated by the heavens, completely at the mercy and manipulation of the cruel hands of fate.

As you lounged beneath the magnolia tree, your mind wandered. You always pictured the man from your dreams. It was never intentional, and the first time it had happened, you had felt embarrassed by your foolish behavior. When it happened again, you allowed yourself this little indulgence. You let him filled your fantasies as you read your books, let him become the dashing hero who would whisk you away from this isolating life of monotony.

Sylus.

The name had first come to you in a recent dream, and from that moment on, you let it consumed you. You tested the syllables on your tongue, felt your heart skipped and your cheeks pinked as you heard his name spoken by your voice. You felt happy.

And then you remembered. The Emperor could seek you out at any moment. Any day now. It would be indecent and punishable to have a concubine call out the name of another man.

So, you closed your books, and you buried his name deep in your heart.

And you waited.

You waited.

And you waited.

And you waited.

It would be a year since you arrived at the Palace before you stole a glimpse of the Emperor on a morning walk. Your maids had always made sure you were presentable. Dressed in the finest silk and hair brushed and styled with beautiful ornate decorations and flowers, you were like the celestial maidens and fairies men from your town would often say.

You bowed respectfully, your head remaining lowered as the Emperor paused in front of you in question.

Your heartbeat skipped. You had powdered your face, painted your cheeks rosy and your lips scarlet. You were so sure your beauty would ensnare the Emperor now that he had laid his eyes on you.

He acknowledged your presence, a courteous nod and a polite expression.

And he moved on.

In the distant, you heard the callous giggles of the other concubines who had witnessed your shameful encounter. Your cheeks burned with embarrassment, but you steeled yourself as you straightened your posture. You maintained your grace, your expression unreadable, and you continued your walk with your faithful maids trailing behind.

You heard their comforting words, listened to their reassurances, but they mattered little to you.

Perhaps you had always known, always suspected, but this humbling experience forced you to face reality: you were just one pretty flower among a meadow of others.

You returned to your quarter, to your secluded little haven within the palace ground.

Your days returned to lazing under the magnolia tree. You would play your guzheng, always chasing after the ending that would never come. You would paint the same portrait again and again, and you would burn it again and again. You read books after books, fantasizing the same man who would spirit you away, to free you from the confines of this lonesome palace life, but you would always cry when you reached the last page.

Sometimes the lovers would be together, and you envied them, wishing for this fantastical romance you could only dream of. Other times, the lovers were separated, and you empathized, feeling a hollowness inside you, wishing for the tender touch of someone who didn’t exist.

You dried your tears, and chided yourself once. You were still the Emperor’s concubine. He could still call for you whenever he desired. It wouldn’t do to have a pitiful maiden longing for another man.

So, you waited.

And waited.

And waited.

You watched the seasons passed, stealing your youth first, and then before you knew it, your beauty.

One day, many, many hollow seasons later, the Palace fell into mourning. The Emperor had passed in his sleep. He was seventy-four.

You sat under your magnolia tree and you cried. You didn’t cry for the Emperor. You mourned him as was expected, as was the custom, but you grieved for your lost life. You had witnessed over half a century of the magnolia tree blossoming, always hopeful, always loyal. You had waited, as patiently as you could, and now that he was gone, now that you were grayed and wrinkled, you realized everything was for naught.

You never learned of the riches your mother had so long ago described. You never even learned the touch of a man—of a lover. You did everything you had thought was right, practiced patience and grace rivaling monks, and you were rewarded with nothing.

A life unlived, you stayed in your corner long after the Emperor had passed and his successor had risen. You would always have a place within the Palace, but few would even remember you.

The seasons passed. You watched the magnolia tree blossomed in spring, the delicate pink flowers promising youth and innocence. When summer arrived, the green leaves offered shelter from the hot sun. Autumn ushered in a feeling of nostalgia and melancholy, and winter stripped the tree bare.

You watched this cycle happened year after year until your mind was no longer quick. You were forgetting things more often now. You made many mistakes. Sometimes, you couldn’t even discern reality from the dreams you longed for.

One late night, the moon was bright and full, looming high in the dark sky.

You opened your eyes when you felt an extra weight on your bed.

A young man sat near you, his long hair as silvery-white as the moon in the sky cascaded down his back. He looked so regal and elegant, more ethereal than the Emperor ever was, and more divine than any of the royalty that had visited the Palace over the years. The young man cupped your cheek, his smooth, youthful skin a stark contrast to your wrinkled, leathery flesh.

“I am sorry, my beloved,” he whispered, his deep voice so familiar. As they should be, you thought, having heard it in your dreams every night for the last decades.

“You are late,” you said. You didn’t even know if you were dreaming at this point, or perhaps your mind was wandering again. You had loved this man from your fantasy for all of your life. You had painted his portraits so many times, memorized his features by heart. His very being, his entire essence, was engraved into your soul.

This was him.

“Sylus.” You hadn’t said his name in decades. Your voice no longer carried that youthful lilt. You were too old now. It seemed so shameful to even speak his name. You cried.

He wiped your tears away, his apologies filled the silence, but it did not ease your heartache.

“Stay with me,” you pleaded, voice weak and gravelly, “I’m scared.”

“Don’t be,” he said, brushing the gray strands out of your face. “It will be over soon.”

You believed him. He held your hand in his, the soft, sweet murmurs you had always longed to hear lulled you back to sleep.

You knew when you closed your eyes tonight, they would never open again in the morning, but you were no longer scared. You let go of the regrets that weighed you down. Nothing else seemed to matter in this moment.

Only him.

As you closed your eyes again, your breathing steadying, the warmth of life slipping away, you heard a cry from a beast. It was low and sorrowful, carrying a heavy weight of remorse and despair and anger.

Just as you had lived, even in death, no one remembered the elderly virgin concubine. After that night, the kingdom fell to ruins. The ground shook with an unearthly force and houses tumbled, crushing and claiming thousands of lives. Lanterns had fallen, flames erupting, setting the once peaceful capital ablaze and lighting the night sky in a crimson glow. Entire family lines were wiped out, new brides were widowed, children orphaned, and parents grieving for surviving as they cradled their dead child—young and old.

No one left unscathed. Fate could not discern from hungry beggars or the gluttonous wealthy upper echelons. The capital burned, lives ruined and taken freely, the screaming cries unheard by the heavens.

The ones who had managed to survive spoke of seeing a white serpent-like creature moving in the night sky, its scales glimmering in the moonlight before it disappeared within the clouds. Many believed it was a dragon, but rather than bringing fortune to the mortal realm, they wondered if their empire had incurred his wrath.)

You sat in bed, your knees pulled to your chest as you heaved and sobbed. You felt like your heart was ripping, unable to stop shaking as the fragments of your dreams lingered, forming this heartbreaking image of loss.

It was the same man from your previous dream. It was the same look of despair.

“…Sylus, Sylus…” you sobbed his name over and over again, wondering why the dreams all ended the same way: you forsaking him.

“…I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”

In the middle of the night, in the dark silence of your room, you continued crying out his name, every utter tearing you apart inside.

In the following days, extravagant gifts were sent to your manor. Luxurious jade, aged liquor, finely crafted porcelain potteries, and the finest fabrics in all of the lands were brought in one by one to awed delight.

“It seems Master Shin is smitten with you, Miss,” Tara teased as she held out the beautiful crimson fabric with golden embroidery of cranes and magnolia flowers. She sighed blissfully as she felt the beautiful silk. “None of the previous suitors had ever sent gifts as fine as these.”

You tried to appear indifferent, but even you couldn’t help but felt flattered by such attention. “Well, now, perhaps I could entertain the thought of being the young master’s wife if this is how I will be treated.”

“Oh?” Tara eyed you with suspicion. “You are suddenly compliant. Are you feeling unwell, Miss?”

“How rude,” you quipped. “Grandmother had just… asked me to consider this match, so I am.”

Truth be told, you haven’t been able to shake Shin’s expressions from the other day out of your mind. He was attentive one moment, listening intently to your explanations as you guided him through town. After watching the play, he seemed to have shut down completely, his expression cold and full of contempt. You had thought it was a sweet storyline—feeling admiration for the hero’s bravery—but Shin seemed irked by it all.

You had managed to turn his foul mood around. Just as quickly as he had changed, he had returned to his earlier soft demeanor, and it was puzzling how you had witnessed the two sides of the same man in such a short amount of time.

Shin was such an enigma. The man left you with more questions than answers, and you wondered what his intentions could be. He seemed particularly keen of you, his eyes seeing only you, his attention devoted to you. Just you.

You knew nothing of him, and he of you, but the way he behaved would have one thinking he had fallen in love with you so many lifetimes ago.

You blushed, and chided yourself. Enough silly thoughts, you silently reprimanded yourself again.

“Oh, Miss, we have guests!”

You looked up in surprise when Tara called out to you from the courtyard. Curious, you walked outside, surprised to see two young identical men dressed in black, waiting with even more gifts. You greeted them politely.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, young Miss. My name is Kieran,” the man greeted you with a bow and then gestured to his companion, who responded in the same way, “And this is my twin brother, Luke. Our master has asked us to make sure his gifts have arrived safely to you.”

“Master?” you questioned with confusion.

“Master Sy—Master Shin,” Luke clarified. He quickly added, “As you will be our master’s wife, we are to serve you as well, Miss.”

“Please use us as needed,” Kieran added.

You smiled uncomfortably. “Thank you, but that will not be necessary.”

Luke and Kieran exchanged looks, appearing startled and confused. Luke smiled at you, his expression coming across as roguish. “Miss, the Master insists. We are under orders to serve and protect you.”

“Protect me? From what?”

“Just in general,” Kieran explained vaguely. “Master Shin values your safety. You do not even have to consider us bodyguards.”

“Whatever you need, we will serve you, Miss.”

“But—”

“Oh, Miss, quit acting so modest,” Tara cut in with a grin, “You need to get used to this kind of treatment since you will be Master Shin’s wife!”

You glared at Tara.

“Weren’t you the one who said earlier how you could get used to the Master’s attention and care?”

Luke and Kieran seemed to exchange another look, grinning in amusement, while you flustered and stammered, “N-not in those particular words…”

“Besides, it would be nice to have you boss someone other than me around,” Tara added with a feigned pitiful look.

“Hush,” you scolded her with a light glare. You sighed, and turned back to Luke and Kieran, conceding, “Very well. Send your master my thanks. These are lovely gifts.”

“And, Miss…” Kieran approached you with a small lacquered wooden black box that had magnolia flowers painted in gold on the exterior. You eyed the box with curiosity, watching as Luke approached and helped his brother open the top. Nestled on a plush brilliantly red cushion was a round gold pendant with an outer border made of jade. The characters for ‘beloved’ was carved in the center, and when you picked it up, you realized on the back was an engraving of an ascending dragon with wisps of cloud beneath him.

“How… exquisite,” you gasped, mesmerized. You were almost afraid of holding it, for fear that you could damage this beautifully crafted piece of jewelry. There was a peculiar familiarity as you caressed the pendant, your expression thoughtful as you admired the beauty in your hand. It was almost akin to a feeling of déjà vu, as if you had seen this pendant somewhere before.

“Miss, that will look lovely on you,” Tara said with admiration, unknowingly breaking you out of your spell. You smiled back.

“There is more jewelry in these boxes,” Luke explained, gesturing to the array of unopened gifts in the courtyard, much to both yours and Tara’s shock. “But it is the Master’s wish that this particular one reaches you personally.”

“Do not feel pressured to wear it, Miss,” Kieran added, “The Master simply wants you to hold onto this.”

“I…” You looked down at the pendant in your hand, your finger tracing the characters thoughtfully. You smiled serenely. “Please let Master Shin know… I will cherish this gift from him with all of my heart.”

(Deep in the mountains, away from the lively towns, there was a quaint village. Once able to boast of a small but respectable, population, its now lone occupant was a little girl, no more than seven. Silently, a deadly plague had snuck in, taking down one villager at a time. It had started with a cough. Very innocuous, very deceiving. Within a few days, a fever would break out. Burning flesh and violent chills would take over, and by this point, it was too late. The one physician in town had already worked himself to death trying to save everyone.

There was no medicine. There was no cure. The only relief from this unknown illness was death’s cold embrace. One by one, men, women, and children succumbed to this plague until there was only one person left waiting.

“Sylus, I’m cold,” you told him, shivering. You looked at the man in front of you, face feverish.

He placed a cooling hand over your forehead, his lips hardened into a straight line. He retrieved a wooden cup and knelt next to your bedside. “Little one, drink some water.”

He helped guide the cup to your mouth, and as you drank, water dribbled down your chin. You started coughing, choking on the liquid. He immediately patted your back gently before helping you lay back down in bed, the cover pulled up to your chin.

“Sylus… am I going to die?”

He inhaled sharply, and paused, unable to answer your question.

“I’m not scared…” you told him. “Mama and Papa are waiting for me, right?”

He was silent, unable to fathom the brave smile on your face.

“Mama… and Papa… sent you to find me, right?” you asked him with a trickle of hope in your young voice, “So I wouldn’t be alone…”

He lowered his head, a soft chuckle escaped, but there was no joy in his laughter. He nodded once, and whispered softly, “Yes, little one, I am here so you would not be scared and lonely…”

You started coughing again before you looked back at this man next to you. “Will you tell me a story?”

He smiled helplessly. “I don’t know any stories.”

“Not one?”

He shook his head. “What if I am bad at telling stories?”

“I won’t mind… I think you would be good at telling stories…”

“You have such confidence in me, little one.”

“Please?”

He relented, unable to deny you this simple request. Not when he knew you did not have long left in this world.

“There once was a dragon,” Sylus began hesitantly, “He fell in love with a beautiful mortal maiden.”

You smiled, and that seemed to have given Sylus the confidence to continue.

“They were deeply in love… until one day the woman stopped loving him.”

You frowned, your voice soft with worry. “Why?”

Sylus smiled sadly, and brushed his hand over your hair in slow strokes. “Because she had forgotten about him,” he said, “It wasn’t her fault, but it happened anyway. And then one day, she was gone from this world, and the dragon grieved deeply.”

Tears started falling down your eyes. Sylus immediately brushed them away with his thumb, shushing you gently.

“He would find her again when she is reborn, but it would never be like before.”

“Sylus…” Your breathing started to get shallower, your body weakening with each passing second. “…Sy…lus…”

He held your hand in his, his caresses tender. As he spoke, his deep voice held a tinge of nostalgia, a glimmer of a memory seemed to reflect in his eyes, “Sometimes he would find her too late…”

You closed your eyes, your breathing gradually slowing, your hand in his growing limp. Sylus watched, seeing you take your final breath. Resigned, his own scarlet eyes closed, his heart dropping, and he continued, hushed, to the silent room:

“…and sometimes he would be too early.”)

“Miss? Are you alright?”

Your head snapped up when you heard Shin’s voice calling for you. “I’m sorry,” you apologized, realizing you had fallen behind him as you two were walking through town together again.

Shin walked back to where you stood. He looked at you with concern before responding, “It’s quite alright. Is there something on your mind? You seemed distracted since we departed earlier.”

You shook your head.

“Liar,” he said, pinching your cheek.

“Ah—don’t!” You whined, swatting at his hand, annoyed.

He smiled, amused by the glare you directed at him.

“You are such a… a…”

“A…?” he prodded you with another insufferable smile.

You opened your mouth to speak, but then you saw Grandma Josephine’s glare in your head, hearing also her firm scolding echoing. You clamped your mouth shut, swallowing the particular words you wanted to call him.

“What’s this? The young miss is silent again.” He lightly tilted your chin up, making you meet his gaze. His thumb barely brushed against your lips, his eyes lingering where he had caressed before he looked up. “Speak. Why are you so despondent today?”

You pulled back. “It’s nothing,” you said, “I’ve just been… having some bad dreams.”

“Care to talk about it?” Shin walked over closer to you, but he did not touch you this time. “It might help to relieve your burden.”

“I don’t know…”

“What? You don’t trust me?”

“Not one bit,” you answered, not missing a beat. He laughed.

“Fair,” Shin conceded. “What can I do to make the young miss more trusting of me?”

You crossed your arms, seemingly in deep contemplation as you pondered his inquiry. His eyes seemed to twinkle with amusement as he watched you.

“Maybe I could entice her to like me more if…” His eyes wandered to a nearby vendor on the street. “Perhaps some warm roasted chestnuts… there’s also some roasted yams…”

You smelled the roasted treats from the seller, your interest piqued, but you shook your head firmly. You tried to ignore the slight grumbling in your belly.

“Maybe some steamed dumplings?”

You frowned. “Am I a glutton to you or something?”

He grabbed your hand, already leading you away to a nearby tea house. “It is almost lunchtime,” he quipped, “A good meal should put you into a better mood.”

“Ah—” You stumbled along, barely able to keep up with his easy long strides as you protested, “but what about—oh!—your calligraphy brushes you wanted to find?”

He paused and you fell into his embrace, blushing crimson as you looked up, meeting his fond smile.

“I lied,” he said, leaning down, his face closer to yours, “I just wanted an excuse to be with you today, Miss.”

You frowned, face still red.

“As red as a tomato,” he teased.

“As vexing as a fly,” you bit back.

“A fly, am I?” he questioned, amused. His eyes drifted lower, and you gasped when his finger trailed along your neck, gently hooking under the chain you wore. He raised the necklace, his eyes resting on the jade pendant. He smirked as he tilted his head, his eyes focused in on your rapidly reddening cheeks. “This vexing fly’s gift looks lovely on you.”

You couldn’t seem to stop blushing now. The effect he was having on you was unlike any other man you had met in the past. He seemed to be the only one capable of making you flustered.

“I—that is…”

“Have you accepted my engagement then?”

You sulked at him. “Grandma has a say in this. Not me.”

“I suppose,” he answered noncommittally, “However, I will not force you into marriage, Miss, and also… I seem to recall specifying to Luke and Kieran to make it clear that you are not required to wear this necklace if you do not desire.”

You looked embarrassed.

“I ask again,” he said patiently, letting the necklace fall. He tipped your chin up with one finger, his face close to yours.

“Have you accepted my engagement then?”

You thought of your grandmother once more, remembering your previous conversation with her. You didn’t realize your face had dropped as you remembered the worried creases on the elderly woman’s face. You quietly answered him, “…Yes…”

You had expected Shin to look pleased, but there seemed to be a flicker of dissatisfaction in his eyes. You looked at him questionably.

“I said yes…”

“I heard,” he answered. He cradled your cheek with one hand, but it was only for a brief moment before he pulled his hand back to his side, and you felt oddly saddened by the sudden loss of warmth. He just nodded once and turned away, resuming the walk through town. “Come then… Those calligraphy brushes…”

You looked at his back confused, recalling his earlier words that this was just a ploy he had come up with to invite you to town. His mood seemed to have changed again, but rather than anger or disdain like before during your first visit to town, he seemed dejected.

Shin turned around, looking at you pointedly as you remained in your spot. You fumbled, embarrassed that you had gotten distracted by your own thoughts. You quickly walked forward to his side. As you continued through town, the once amicable, joking atmosphere disappeared, being replaced by an uncomfortable silence.

You guided Shin to a vendor specializing in the art of calligraphy. An array of brushes from cheaply-made to the most prestigious lined his shop, along with ink bottles and papers readily available for sell. You stood quietly near the entrance, watching as Shin conversed with the seller. As expected, Shin sought only the highest quality of tools and materials. You watched as he tested out a brush, his profile startling you briefly as you noted a sudden familiarity that you hadn’t paid heed to before.

You fingered the pendant around your neck, your mind drifting back to earlier.

I said yes…

He had looked sad when you had said it. You looked down at the pendant, and caressed the characters with your thumb.

Beloved.

You had agreed to marry Shin for your grandmother’s sake. To most, it was astounding you even had a voice in the matter, but Josephine, as scheming as she was when it came to her granddaughter’s future marriage, was also empathetic. To be shackled to a man who would only beat and berate you was a fate she did not want to inflict on her one and only granddaughter.

So, she had allowed you the freedom to reject any suitor you found unfit.

With Shin, however, Josephine seemed keen, patiently but also strongly encouraging you to ponder more deeply before you rejected him. So, you had.

He was charismatic, able to charm your grandmother during that first meeting. The way he had conversed with her was lax but also respectful, his quick wit a refreshing change from past suitors whose arrogance or passiveness made the conversations felt like torture.

He was attentive, you recalled. When he was alone with you, you were the only being in his eyes, almost as if you were the only person in his world. You had never been treated with such regard. Other suitors viewed you as more of a decoration, something to have as an accessory to show off to other affluent men, hoping to fill their hearts with envy.

You exhaled slowly.

I said yes…

“Miss?”

You looked up, surprised to see Shin staring down at you confused.

“I had called you four times,” he said, brows furrowing, “Are you alright?”

I should be asking you the same thing, you thought. You forced a smile and nodded. “Sorry, I was… remembering something.”

“I am finished here,” he said, “Let us leave.”

You departed the shop with Shin, and that earlier stifling silence returned, but this time it was only brief. You tried speaking with him again, making small talk.

“Did you find what you were looking for?” you asked, though again, you couldn’t help but silently quipped to yourself about how he had mentioned he was lying earlier about needing new calligraphy brushes—only to then lie about… not lying? You mentally groaned, confused by Shin’s behavior.

“I did,” he answered, seemingly unaware of your internal struggle.

You swallowed, bracing yourself before you blurted out, “Did I offend you somehow?”

You both stopped in the middle of the street. He turned and looked down at you, puzzled.

A wave of embarrassment washed over you, but there was no retreating now. You continued in spite of the growing warmth in your cheeks. “I… I thought you would be happy if I had said yes, but… Shin, I don’t understand you.”

“I am happy,” he answered calmly, “I am very, very, very happy.”

You hesitantly looked up, meeting his gaze. Your voice was barely audible as you spoke, “You are not acting like it…”

“Because I had wondered if maybe you would be unhappy with me?”

You stilled. You felt like you needed to look away, but your eyes remained locked on his, peering deeply into those earnest orbs, seeing yourself reflected back, face shocked and confused. “Shin…”

Before you could even speak further, there was an eruption of applauses nearby. You both turned in the direction of the explosive noises, hearing cheers and praises resounding in the square.

Shin tsked, annoyed.

It was the same performers from your previous visit to town, and just as before, they were finishing that very same play from that day. The same old story about a tyrannical oppressive dragon stealing away young girls to be his bride, only to die in the end, slain by the heroic man who wanted to save his lover from her fate.

It was a timeless tale among the villagers. A fiendish dragon slayed by a hero. The hero worshipped for his valiancy, and in the end, peace was restored to the land.

How tiring.

Shin’s eyes followed a group of children who mimicked the performers, reenacting the climatic scene of the sword plunging into the dragon’s chest, its beating heart carved out as proof of the killing.

“Where I am from,” Shin murmured quietly to you, his tone neutral, “dragons are revered.”

You both continued to walk through town. There were many shops and vendors hawking their wares, but you both continued to pass on by, unswayed by the attractive items displayed. You observed Shin’s demeanor, noting he wasn’t as impish as before, but he also didn’t seem to be in a foul mood either. It was almost as if he was apathetic, a bit condescending even toward this town.

You frowned.

“Where is that?” you asked as you both passed by a vendor selling wall scrolls depicting dragons as ominous demons. You were used to such imagery, but that didn’t mean you held the same belief as your fellow townspeople. Shin’s words had piqued your interest.

“A land far from this place,” he answered vaguely, making your frown deepened, more annoyed this time. Shin huffed in amusement at your vexed expression. He continued, unperturbed, “You would love it, Miss.”

There was a curved bridge looming over a tranquil river that separated the town with the nearby forest. You and Shin paused at the center, the two of you leaning over the railing and staring at the water below. Occasionally a fish would bob its head up in an attempt to catch passing insects.

“The flowers are always in bloom,” Shin continued, clarifying, “My hometown.”

“Surely you jest,” you responded, doubtful, “How can flowers always bloom? Do you not have autumn or winter?”

He smiled, shaking his head. His expression and words were cryptic. “They always bloom,” he insisted, adding softly, “Especially for their queen.”

Your face softened. You smiled at his wistful expression. “How poetic,” you murmured, “Does this kingdom of yours revere their queen deeply?”

It wasn’t long, but there was a noticeable pause before Shin spoke again. “She has been gone for a long time,” he answered, his smile looking bitter. “The kingdom mourns her absence, as does its king.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

Shin shook his head, interrupting you, “You didn’t know.”

He looked down at the river below, both of your reflection rippled in the water as a family of ducks swam through down the center between you both. He huffed in amusement when a lone duckling straggled.

“The queen will return,” he said, hushed, “Her king will bring her home.”

You were confused now, not understanding Shin’s words anymore. You wondered if the two of you were even having the same conversation anymore. Although there were people bustling and passing by behind you both, heading to and from town, it didn’t do anything to ease the persistent stifling silence that returned once again.

“Tanghulu,” you said suddenly, surprising Shin. When he looked down at you, confused, you quickly clarified, pointing down the road to near the entrance into town. “There’s a vendor who sells tanghulu over there. They’re quite good. You’ll enjoy them.”

“Doubtful,” he responded with a soft snort. His lips quirked in amusement. “I don’t particularly care for sweets.”

“You’ll like this one,” you insisted, beaming brightly at him. “If you have a little something sweet, your mood will be uplifted.”

“Is that so?” he laughed. “Then I must follow the young miss’ words of wisdom, shouldn’t I?”

He let you guide him, your small hand barely wrapped around his much larger one, but it was only for a few steps from the bridge before he paused, making you stopped as well. Confused, you were about to look behind you when he tugged gently, easily pulling you back up against him. Your back rested against his chest. Shin leaned down, his warm breath tickling your ear as he whispered:

“Maybe there is some truth in your words, Miss, because this sweet young miss does lift my mood tremendously.”

You blushed, reaching down to touch his arm as you stammered, “Shi-Shin…! I had meant…”

He laughed and kissed your cheek. “I know what you had meant,” he interrupted with a roguish grin, “but I think I would find you more delectable than these confections.”

“Always teasing me…” you murmured, sulking.

He laughed again, delighted. “Do I displease you?”

You remained silent.

“If you do not answer me,” he continued, his tone light and flirtatious, “I might accidentally believe you have grown fond of me.”

You opened your mouth, but no sound came out. You moped.

He turned you to face him, peering down at the sweet pout in front of him.

“Sincerity is hard to come by,” he murmured, letting his hand gently cradled your chin. His thumb glided over your bottom lip, the faint tingle lingered, extending to your cheeks. Unwittingly, the softest of gasps managed to slip through, your heart beating faster.

“You must know, Miss, I adore you,” he said, “There is no love purer than mine.”

“How can you love someone you’ve only just met?”

His head tilted a little in amusement at your inquiry. His eyes drifted down to the pendant around your neck.

“Only just met,” he repeated your words thoughtfully, “It seems like it’s been several lifetimes.”

Baffled, you didn’t even get a chance to respond when Shin continued almost immediately: “Tanghulu.”

“Tanghulu,” you repeated after he had let you go and started to walk back to town. You stared after him, watching his figure grow smaller the further he walked away from you. You peered down at the necklace you wore. You touched it, tracing the characters, a habit that had formed when you least expected.

Several… lifetimes…?

Weeks passed and it seemed every other day you were accompanying Shin either on walks or through town for errands, though you wondered if these supposed ‘errands’ were just little ploys he used as an excuse to see you. You had questioned what he did for a living to maintain the luxurious lifestyle he seemed to have, but all you received were cryptic words and vague smiles.

As it were, you also learned that Shin was fond of gifting you presents for no apparent reason. It had started out small with a flower here and a poem there, but in time, it was common to receive jewelry and other luxuries from your betrothed. You suspected that if you asked him for the world, he would give you the universe instead.

You couldn’t help but felt flattered by such attention, but more than that, you also couldn’t help but noticed how Shin often looked at you with such devotion, his attention completely yours. You found yourself growing curious of him, perhaps even fond of his presence, as he seemed to see you as a person rather than an accessory to be had.

Without realizing it, you had begun to look forward to the days when you would see him. You hid your growing fondness for him behind a mask, allowing the familiar banters to cloak your feelings.

It had started as another normal stroll through town, passing the same merchants hawking their wares as before, but on this day, you couldn’t help but picked up an unusual energy in the air. It made you uneasy, though you could not pinpoint the exact reasoning or cause. Instead, you found yourself gravitating to Shin’s side, his presence calming your nerves.

“That’s strange,” you said softly, eyeing the woman who had just glared at you. “She’s normally very sweet to me. Maybe she’s having a bad day—Shin?”

You were surprised when you noticed his glare. He seemed to be scrutinizing something. He pulled you by the waist closer to him, murmuring softly, “Stay close to me.”

“Is something the matter?” you looked at him worriedly.

He inhaled sharply, seemingly hesitating about how he should answer you. At the sound of your voice again, he sighed. “It is nothing,” he said finally, though you couldn’t help but felt that he was withholding certain details. “I just had an uneasy feeling.”

“Uneasy?” you wondered aloud, looking at his profile. Like you, he seemed troubled, but almost as quickly that instance of anxiety disappeared, his features returning to normal.

“Come,” he said calmly, his hand held out for yours, waiting. “We still have to pick up a few items for your trip in three days, correct?”

The inquiry startled you. You wondered if this was his attempt to distract you from the seemingly ominous aura looming over the town, but rather than addressing his deflection, you looked at his hand, unsure at first, before you took it willingly. You smiled and chatted with him again, the moment calm and peaceful just as before, though Shin’s earlier words remained lingering in your mind.

A distant relative was to be wedded within a week. Alongside your grandmother and faithful handmaiden, Tara, you had departed town early in the morning to start the lengthy four-day trip via a horse-drawn carriage.

It was supposed to be a normal trip—like many others you had taken in the past—passing through dense forests and unfamiliar towns, but some hiccups along the way interfered with the plan to make it to the closest town before nightfall, and now it was completely dark outside, the only lights were from the two lanterns on either side of the coachman.

Strange how this first day seemed counterproductive—as if you had been lost in a labyrinth making no progress on your trip.

The steady ride through the late night, and the rhythmic trotting of the horses had long lulled you to sleep, but it didn’t take much to stir you out of your light slumber. Disoriented, you yawned, your head raised from resting on Tara’s shoulder earlier. She, too, also perked up as did your grandmother on the opposite side.

The three of you heard unusual sounds from outside the carriage, and a feeling of dread reflected on all of your faces.

The carriage had suddenly stopped, and you heard the horses acting restless and uneased. The driver could be heard trying to calm the animals, but then you heard many other unfamiliar voices outside. Josephine had already peeked outside, her face paling.

“Whatever you do, do not come out,” Josephine ordered you before she exited the carriage. You started to protest, but Tara pulled you back in.

“Miss, we have to stay quiet!”

“But Grandma—”

Your eyes widened when you heard a scream, the voice you recognized instantly. “Grandma!”

You pushed Tara aside and rushed out of the carriage, covering your mouth in terror as you saw your grandmother laying on the ground bleeding out from her neck. You rushed to her, but was grabbed from behind by a man. Before you could react, you heard Tara screaming, seeing men dragging her out of the carriage.

“T-Tara!”

“Miss, Miss, help me!”

You struggled against your attackers.

“Feisty, pretty little thing, isn’t she?” one man sneered, grabbing your face. You spat at him and was immediately slapped across the face, the sting immediate.

“Mi—”

You screamed out Tara’s name, watching in horror as blood seeped through her clothes. She clutched her side, her eyes glazing over. “Miss… I… I don’t want to… die…”

You started screaming again, feeling a large hand covered your mouth. You immediately bit down, bracing yourself for the inevitable retaliation, but it never came.

Two little gray sparrows flew past your attacker, distracting him. As the birds turned around and began to descend, a black mist enveloped them, taking shape. When the mist cleared, the birds were gone and in their places were two identical men.

“Luke…? Kieran…”

Within a flash, Luke and Kieran silently dispatched all of the surrounding bandits, their movements faster than your eyes could follow. Your heart stilled as you heard another voice from behind, the growl unlike any beast you had ever heard.

“Let. Her. Go.”

Before you could look to the owner of the voice, Kieran intervened, prying you from your attacker. He turned you and pressed you to his chest. “Just close your eyes, Miss,” he said softly, “It will be over soon.”

Your breathing ragged, your heart pounding, you felt a chill ran down your spine as a blood-curdling scream was ripped from the man’s throat. You squeezed your eyes shut, hot tears streaking down your cheeks as you trembled in Kieran’s arms, a desperate prayer repeating over and over again in your mind.

Please wake up. Please wake up. Please—!

(A vicelike pain gripped your heavily rounded middle and you screamed into the folded cloth shoved in your mouth.

“Quiet, quiet, child,” you could hear a woman whispering to you frantically.

Sweats dripped alongside your face, and you sobbed, the hot tears rushing down your cheeks as you held onto the rope made of thick cloth suspended from the ceiling. You pulled harder when the pain returned tenfold.

“On the next pain, push, child,” the woman urged, “It will be over soon.”

Your heart pounded. You could feel something dropping lower in your pelvis. You screamed again and bore down.

“Almost, almost,” the woman whispered frantically.

You didn’t know for how long you were pushing, but eventually you felt relief, felt a heavy weight exiting your body. The cloth was taken out of your mouth, and you stared at the woman with more sweats running down your reddened face. You panted, your heart pounding.

“…The… baby?”

“It’s for the best,” the woman said solemnly, and you watched as she carried a wrapped bundle away. You had never heard a cry.

You let go of your hold on the rope and collapsed on the bed, exhausted and lightheaded. You felt so sore, too weak to even sit upright.

“…For… The best…” you repeated, shutting your eyes in pain. You could barely stay conscious.

That was right. It was for the best. You were never supposed to have fallen pregnant with this child, this unwanted babe.

You didn’t want this baby.

Neither did your master. Nor his wife.

“Child, let’s get you cleaned up—child? Dear god…!”

There were frantic voices. What were they saying? The voices slipped in and out of your consciousness, your breathing growing more ragged.

“She won’t stop bleeding! Call for a physician!”

“Just let her die then. It’s for the best.”

“Mistress, Mistress, please, she’s just a young girl!”

“She’s a harlot. This is her punishment for seducing my husband.”

“She was raped!”

There was a piercing slap, the sound echoed in the room, and mere seconds later, a shaky sob followed.

“She is just a servant girl. No one will miss her.”

“Mistress…”

You felt relief. Just let go. It would be over soon. You were safe now…

“Know your place, or do you wish to follow her in death as well?”

“…Yes, Mistress…”

A flash of lightning startled the two women.

“Now dispose of this wretched whore—”

Bloodcurdling screams traveled across the manor, sending chills down the two women’s spines. They looked at one another in shock, unsure and fearful.

“An intruder!” a man cried out.

“The master has been killed!” the words of another made the women paused, horrified.

Thunder rumbled in the sky, shaking the ground. Another flash of lightning made the women flinched. When they looked up, a man in black stood at the door, expressionless. He was covered in blood, but they quickly realized it wasn’t his.

“Who—who are you?!”

The man looked at the young girl bled out on the bed. His crimson eyes narrowed.

A gust of wind wiped out the lamps, extinguishing all of the flames in the manor. The ground continued to rumble, and when lightning struck again, the women screamed in terror, the shadow of a draconic beast was the last thing they witnessed before everything turned dark, their cries drowned out by thunders and a wrathful roar.)

You awoke, gasping and crying.

Another… dream?

“Easy, easy now,” you heard Shin’s voice and you realized he was sitting next to you.

You stared at him in shock, your mind clouded as you slowly took in your surroundings. You gradually realized you were in an unfamiliar room… in an unfamiliar bed… with… this man seated by your bedside. You looked at him again, eyebrows furrowing in complete confusion as you attempted to recall your last memory, but your mind was still clouded by the recent dream you just had.

The dream—

Your hands flew to your middle, feeling flatness. You started to calm down.

“Miss, are you alright?” Shin looked at you questionably, confused by your behavior just now.

You struggled to find your voice, hearing an unfamiliar hoarseness as you attempted to speak. “Why… Why are you here… Shin?”

“This is my home,” he explained, “You have been unconscious for four days, Miss.”

“F-four days?”

He nodded. “Merchants had found you in the forest and they had brought you to town,” he continued patiently, “I was in town when I saw you being carried to a physician, so I intervened and had you brought here instead.”

You took in his words, mulling over his explanation, but in your weakened, distorted state, you didn’t know whether to believe him or not. You looked at Shin again, meeting his patient gaze. “You… have been watching over me?”

“I have checked in on you from time to time,” he clarified, adding, “I was beginning to worry you would never wake.”

“Never… wake?” Your eyes widened as pieces of that night started to come back to you. “Grandma! And… and… Tara…”

You froze at Shin’s solemn expression. He apologized softly, “I am sorry, Miss. You were all attacked by bandits. You are the only survivor.”

You sat there in shock, your mind going over his words again. You suddenly laughed, the sound bearing more resemblance to crying. “That is a lie,” you said, “Shin, why are you lying to me? I… This is a joke. This is… This is…”

He stared back at you, his expression unwavering.

“…not true.”

“I am sorry, Miss,” he repeated. He handed you a handkerchief, but you swatted it out of his hand in anger. He remained unaffected by your hostile action. Instead, he spoke calmly, “I know this is a lot to take in. I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news.”

Your chest tightened and your head lowered as tears fell one by one onto the comforter. You were barely registering his words as pieces of that horrific night started to come back to you with disturbing clarity. You wondered if you had taken one single different action, would the course of that night had changed? Would Grandma be here right now scolding you for still lounging as lunchtime rolled around? Would Tara sneak you an extra tangerine and share secrets with you after dark?

“When can I go home?” you asked suddenly, not looking at him.

“This will be your home,” he answered. “It is best you stay here instead.”

“What?” You looked up shocked, not expecting his words. You shook your head. “N-No… I have to go home. Grandma’s manor will need to be taken care of… I have… my belongings… and… Grandma’s… and—”

“I will send for your things,” he said patiently, “But it is best you do not return to that place.”

You glared at him, angry by his callous words. “Who do you think you are telling me I can’t go back to my home? I am leaving now—”

Shin immediately pressed you back into bed, gently but still firm. He stared down at you, his expression hard but not heated. His voice was even, but there was an icy edge to it. “It is best you listen to me, Miss. I am merely looking out for your wellbeing.”

You glared up and shoved his arm away. “I didn’t ask you to!”

“Hn.” He looked at you unaffected, and then said calmly as he walked to the door, “Miss, I will have a servant bring you a meal.”

“I am not hungry!” You couldn’t stop yourself from lashing out at him. You felt so many tumultuous emotions raging inside you. Shin didn’t do anything to you, but right now in this moment, he was the only person available for you to direct your anger. Your anger at the bandits who murdered your family, your anger at the heavens for forsaking you, your anger… at yourself. For your incompetence… For… surviving.

“You have not eaten for four days,” Shin said calmly from the doorway, unaffected by your outburst. “It will be a light meal. Easy on your stomach. Try to eat a little.”

“Shin…” You felt angry… at yourself. He was still so calm, so patient with you, and you were behaving like a petulant child. Fresh tears fell, and in your heart, you knew Shin did not blame you for your hostile actions and words. Your whole world was stolen from you in one night, and now you were alone. You behaved in a way only to be expected.

“I will also send a servant girl to assist you,” he continued, “Her name is Simone. I will have her prepare you a bath and some fresh clothes as well.”

“Shin—”

He paused and looked at you patiently.

“Can I… bathe alone?”

He looked at you confused.

“It’s just… I have only ever been used to having Tara assist me…”

“I understand,” he said, nodding, “Simone will still be yours. Use her as needed.”

As the door closed, you lay back down in bed staring up at the ceiling in quiet contemplation. After a brief moment of reflection over that night and your conversation with Shin, you allowed yourself to cry and grieve freely.

For as long as you could remember, Tara was your only friend and companion since childhood. She didn’t deserve what had happened to her. She didn’t deserve to have her life taken like that.

I’m sorry… you thought, remembering all of the instances where your mischievousness had gotten her into trouble. You remembered all of the times you made her follow along to your shenanigans and foolishness. You mourned for the life she would have lived.

I’m sorry…

Simone was a nice girl, albeit, very chatty. You had mostly tuned her out, your thoughts still lingering on your slain family and the state of your home.

“Master Shin had explained what had happened, Miss,” Simone said, leading you to a bathhouse. “I am truly sorry for your loss.”

You followed behind her down the veranda, your eyes scanning the surroundings of the property. It was the first time you were able to lay sight on the interior of the mysterious manor, but your curiosity and excitement were long gone. You were only interested in finding a way to escape so you could return home.

“Miss, we are here.”

Your head snapped up, and you smiled politely at Simone. “Thank you,” you responded, “I can bathe myself. Do not trouble yourself further.”

“It will be no trouble to me, Miss,” Simone said, smiling, “Please do not hesitate to seek my assistance.”

You simply nodded and entered the bathhouse. There was a large wooden tub filled with warm water, the steam coming from it created such a humid atmosphere. You breathed in slowly and waited for the sound of Simone’s footsteps leaving.

When you were sure you were alone, you opened the door a crack, peeking out to glance around for signs of people. It was daylight, but the manor was quieter than you were used to from your own home. Perhaps it was because the manor was only recently occupied, there hadn’t been many people staffed other than the few you had met.

You exhaled again, calming your anxious heart. This worked out well for you then, you noted, as you left the bathhouse, feeling a little bolder now that you were certain there wouldn’t be many people around the place. You quietly retraced your steps from earlier, ducking and hiding in unoccupied rooms when you heard voices.

Eventually, you found yourself in a vast courtyard where there was a large magnolia tree looming over an equally impressive koi pond. You didn’t have time to admire the beautiful landscaping. Your only thought was on the large door that led to the outside world.

Before you could make a dash for the door, you heard voices, and you quickly backed up against the wall, hiding in the shadow. You saw Luke and Kieran walking across the courtyard conversing quietly. Their voices were low, but you heard a few words here and there:

“…tree…”

“…wine… almost ready…”

You didn’t pay heed to their conversation any further, waiting instead with bated breath as they disappeared into one of the buildings. You glanced around again, making sure there was not another person nearby before you made a run for it, your heart pounding with every footstep until you made it to the door. You panted softly, your hand holding onto the heavy iron door handle as you took one last glance at Shin’s manor.

You quietly apologized to him, feeling a brief moment of guilt for dismissing his generous hospitality. You made a decision to apologize again more formally once you had settled things at your home. For now, you quietly slipped out and made the trek back to your own manor.

As you made your way down the familiar road, passing through town, you couldn’t help but sensed eyes on you. You subtly glanced around, noticing townspeople were looking at you before turning away. You could hear hushed whispers all around.

That girl is still alive?

Why is she still here?

Don’t go near her. She’ll only bring misfortune to you.

Your steps slowed briefly, your brows furrowing in confusion. Were they talking about you? None of what you had heard made sense.

“Ah-!”

You cried out when someone bumped into you.

“Oh, I’m sorry—oh, it’s you. Watch it, wench.”

You stared in shock at the man who passed by, confused by the rude attitude. There were more mutterings here and there.

She should have been the one who died, not Josephine.

Your breath hitched. Grandmother…

Thunder rumbled in the distance. You looked up, seeing dark clouds passing by. You flinched when you felt the first droplet of rain. Getting to your feet, you winced at the sharp pain from your scraped palms and the dull throbs in her knees.

More droplets fell from the gray sky.

You quickened your pace, hurrying back to your home. You tried to tune out the callous words, tried to ignore the disdainful glares. Why was there so much animosity? You knew these people. These people knew you, so why did it seem like they now hated you so much? It was like something had changed in the last couple days while you were unconscious.

Rain poured down and you tried to shield yourself the best you could as you ran faster.

“H-hey! What are you doing?! Put those back!” You yelled out as you approached the entrance of your manor. You gasped as you watched unfamiliar men hauled out items from your home. Furniture, pottery, clothing, everything was being taken away before your very eyes.

“Hm? Oh, Josephine’s granddaughter, I presume?” A man appearing in his fifties approached you. He held up a scroll. “We are here to collect Josephine’s debts.”

“D-debts? What debts?” You took the scroll from the man, your eyes rapidly going over each word. “When did she… Why didn’t she… tell me…”

“Listen, girl,” The man started, taking the scroll back from you, “I’m truly sorry for your loss. We are just following orders.”

“But… this is my home,” you protested feebly. “The—the other servants—”

“They’ve all left. There are other homes willing to employ them.”

“N-No, you can’t take those! Put them back!”

You tried to push your way into the manor, but the man blocked you, his demeanor worsening.

“Girl, don’t make this any harder than it needs to be,” he warned, but you stubbornly continued to fight back. Annoyed, he shoved you, showing no remorse when you landed in a puddle. He turned away, mumbling, “Tsk, that’s what I get for trying to be nice to a cretin like her…”

Grandmother was… She was trying to…

All of those men that came to the house. All of those prospective matches, Josephine had laid her hope on securing her granddaughter’s future. She had wanted to make sure her granddaughter would be taken care of, cared for when the old woman would pass and everything would be gone.

“But… This is… my home… Mine… Mine… Grandmother’s…”

You sat up, sobbing as you furiously wiped the mud off your face. Everything you knew—or thought you knew—came to a grinding halt. The people you loved—Grandma, Tara—were all slain in cold blood before your very eyes, and now, you had no one left in the world and no place to call home.

The world was cruel indeed.

The rain stopped, or so you thought. You opened your eyes and stared at the pair of men’s shoes before you, your eyes slowly lifting to meet the owner’s gaze.

Shin?

He stood there, holding an umbrella over you, shielding you from the cold rain. His other hand was held out to you, his expression sympathetic. He didn’t appear angry at you for running away. He had every right to be upset with you, after all, to be offended by your lack of respect for his gracious hospitality. He had sacrificed so much of his time and resources for you, and you had left without a word and now he had found you alone in the rain, muddied and disheveled. No longer a refined maiden of class, you looked like a pitiful homeless peasant, a sore sight to be seen.

You almost wanted to laugh in defeat at the cruel joke only you could understand. You didn’t look like a pitiful homeless peasant. You were one. Your home was taken, your wealth gone, your title meaningless. You wished Shin would avert his eyes, to turn away, like everyone else had.

The whole world was against you, and yet, he wasn’t.

“Let’s go home,” he said, voice low enough for your ears only.

“I don’t have a home,” you answered back, looking behind you at the closed door.

“My home,” he clarified with great patience.

You looked down, unsure. You wondered if you were embarrassed by your pitiful situation, or perhaps if you were in vain trying to hold onto the last shred of your pride, but you spoke feebly, “I… I’m not a charity case.”

“Good,” he replied evenly, “I am not offering charity either.”

He knelt down to your eye level. He used his sleeve to wipe your face clean as he spoke, his words careful and measured, “I am here to take my bride home with me.”

You stared into his eyes, confused. “I do not have a dowry to give you anymore.”

“I do not desire a dowry.”

“I… have no honor to my name.”

“I am not seeking honor.”

You teared up again. “I… will only be a burden.”

Shin shook his head, his smile gentle. “I do not view you as such.”

You looked around, seeing scornful eyes from passerby, all glaring at you, looking at you with utter contempt and disdain. Such hatred. Did these people always hate you? Did Grandma shield you from this cruelty, raised you in blissful ignorance so that you knew no pain or heartache?

You felt fresh tears streaming down your cheeks. You heard the similar hushed whispers as before.

Josephine was a fool. Look where it has gotten her.

She should have sold that girl to a whore house the first chance she got.

Is it any surprise? She was the reason her parents died.

That girl will only bring misfortune to our town.

She should have been the one killed.

Your breath hitched. Shin appeared to grasp the handle of the umbrella tighter, his breathing sounding stiff and forced.

“Let me take you away from this place,” he murmured, “My bride.”

Nothing left in this world, no one holding you back, you took his offered hand without another thought, gasping as he dragged you to your feet and straight into his arms. You stuttered, embarrassed, “My clothes are dirty—”

“I do not care,” he answered, his grip tightening around you. “Stay close to me.”

He led you into the waiting horse-drawn carriage, shielding you from the scornful stares. You closed your eyes once the carriage began to move. You didn’t even resist when Shin wrapped his arm around you, pulling you back into his embrace.

He feels familiar, you thought, the heat of his body warming you through your wet clothes. You unconsciously leaned closer, a heavy fatigue washing over you as you allowed yourself to lower your guard around him.

As you doze off, you thought you heard a pleased hum from him.

Tag list: @hesperisms @lavlynyan @mangooes @zhongtar @yourfavbabigirl @sylusfluffymeow @unheavenlypacked @luminaryorbit @sinister-044 @boinkboinkkitten @deathkat657 @trishiepo0 @nezuswritingdesk @lunar-alden @yourstrulysylus @xxfaithlynxx @failedaethercore @idkwhatimdoing27 @certainduckanchor @qyuin @alfredosaws @valkyyriia @callilypso @natimiles @yourlocalcatscammer @likewhyareyousoobsessedwithme @qyuin @lalaluch @littleapplle @animegamerfox @deepspacenova @starshinedusk @madamecorbie @lamogliedizayne @marinenox @himekino2000 @raendarkfaerie @zayniacforreal @kingraspberry12-blog @miahsmama

【 request to be added 】

[ Prelude ★ BOTDK Masterlist ★ AO3 ★ Part 2 ]

[quintopatioska]

Tagged by @diderots and @passingthetime, thank you! seems fun.

LAST BOOK: Currently reading "Trampolín a la Muerte" of Mary Roberts Rinehart, I think the original title is The Swimming Pool. It's cool so far, I don't read mystery often but the book was on sale for being too damaged. I like damaged books.

LAST SONG: Mirage by Siouxsie and The Banshees. Incredible song, constant repeat of that album (besides Switch).

LAST MOVIE: Finally watched Thirst 2009, I liked it a lot, it starts low but it gets where it needs. Park Chan-wook is one of my favorite directors with the few I've seen of his films, Stoker has been my favorite of his for a while. The movie has a great screenplay and great actors as the leads, I would've liked a more complex treatment of Sang-hyeon but other than that it's a really good movie. Loved the gore and the subtle medical horror elements.

LAST TV SHOW: Rewatched The Good Place because I needed it, also I'm supposedly watching Mission Hill but man the main character is deeply uninteresting for the unique art design the show has. I like the little brother better.

LAST MUSEUM: Día de Muertos commemorative with 'immersive' experience, it was fine, the props were amazingly well done considering it was free entrance. Waiting in the line is the one thing I remember most though.

LAST CONCERT: Caifanes after my birthday almost three years now. Pretty nice time, meet people I'm not really sure I'm glad I met anymore.

LAST MEAL: Eggy with tortillas. I'm going to make myself pasta soon.

@thea-nea, @gravedangerahead, @marisco0s, @whatupsociety, @caifanes™, @queselevaaser, @mlnmo, @mitknnen; feel free to do. No worries if not.

[marisco0s]

ty for the taggg

LAST BOOK: rereading Las venas abiertas de América Latina de Eduardo Galeano bcs yeah

LAST SONG: Zealots by Fugees, i think The Score is like one of my fav albums ever

LAST MOVIE: rewatched Isle of Dogs, it's still so captivating from start to finish i wish i could show it to everyone i know, chief getting hugged by atari is very important to me also POR LAS PRECARIAS ✊

LAST TV SHOW: does Naruto count

LAST MEAL: meatballs w like sauce i made myself 🔥

tagging @sabretoothscatnipplug @lobotomycase no pressure

[sabretoothscatnipplug]

Thanks a bunch for the tag!! <3

LAST BOOK: I'm thinking of reading some Namor comics!

LAST SONG: Ay No Puedo by The Marías, definitely one of my absolute favorite artists! Not a last song but I also really like Cariño too!

LAST MOVIE: A Cat in Paris! I love GKIDS movies! It actually took a while to find the movie because I had vague memories of the scenes but forgot exactly where they were from until now.

LAST TV SHOW: I've seen Sex and the City! Charlotte is my fav character <3

LAST MEAL: Lasagna! It was pretty good!

Tagging: @antgirlmusic @yakuuzapalooza @letters4ever @couriwaytown @pandarson @ohmarjorie @theribthatgrewback @noriamki @fuckouna @bigtop-skies @bigticenergy1 @dianela-roxy78 @cerdechko + all my moots ngl! Tagged or not go ahead!

[cerdechko]

UHH THANKS FOR THE TAG OH GOD HAVEN'T DONE THIS IN A WHILE

Last Book: Master And Margarita, still haven't finished it, oops;

Last Song: Uhh Ahh by Boyz II Men, I owe you no explanation;

Last Movie: Together (2025), it was just like The Substance for me - tragic and horrifying and unsettling in how relatable it was;

Last TV Show: My Student Spirit, can you believe me and my buddy Sam managed to predict several events in it by pure accident? I can't;

Last Meal: Sausages and an egg. It's been... An odd couple of days.

okay tagging time (no pressure though) @antgirlmusic @samsosnikers @flandesuka i'm too embarrassed to tag anyone else actually waaah

[antgirlmusic]

Heyyyy. Thanks for the tag, you two!

Last Book: Pfft. This is embarrassing, I actually can't remember. Does Social Security Law count?

Last Song: Square by Mitski. I have to admit it's my first time listening to it! Man, the last minute of it really got to me, haha.

Last Movie: In full? Wicked: For Good! It was also my first time watching it and I had a great time.

Last TV Show: Culinary Class Wars. It's pretty fun, I like that kind of shows.

Last Meal: Chicken soup. It's the only thing I could stomach. 🥲 Really craving something sweet or spicy now, though.

Tagging @cilantroodon @imglowinginthedarkness @monarchbutterbee and whoever would like to join in. ^_^

[imglowinginthedarkness]

aaa thank you for tagging me beloved !!!!!! (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶) .ᐟ.ᐟ

last book: rn i'm reading the first omnibus volume of 'something is killing the children' , i love comic books n graphic novels so so so so much they live in my heart 4ever

last song: what's in it for me? by set it off ! their newest album is soooo good i could . eat it

last movie: i rewatched the bob's burgers movie the other day, that show is a wonderful comfort food to me

last tv show: i started watching will trent after my aunt n uncle introduced it to me a bit ago, i'm on season 2 and i like it a lot ! will is like . a very fascinating bug

last meal: i had a bagel with fried egg and avocado ദ്ദി◝ ⩊ ◜.ᐟ

tagging the wonderful amazing @roostesblog @suricata-uwu @spaceacerat and @oracleofselfies ✮⋆˙

[suricata-uwu]

yay fun! thanks for tagging me ^_^

last book: a study in scarlet - reread some parts again

last song: our lady of sorrows by mcr

last movie: i thiiink it was wake up dead man

last tv show: research unit (section de recherches) my mom likes it and i watch it with her sometimes cause i like mysteries so the occasional police procedural is fun

last meal: tea and a berlín. it had disappointingly little filling

tagging @tuquiltrofavorito and @ashortcuttomushrooms (no pressure!)

[tuquiltrofavorito]

LET'S DO THISSSSSS!!!!!

last book: I'm currently reading Fahrenheit 451

last song: Corleone by Nathy Peluso (everyone go listen to her album Grasa right neowwwww)

last movie: Elvira Mistress Of The Dark

last tv show: Teen Wolf (I rewatch it every year #mytrashyshow)

last meal: fresh bread with rosehip jam

last museum: I went to the “Dinosaurios del Sur del Mundo” exposition from Chile's Museo Nacional de Historia Natural last year. It was GREATTTTT yes i am flexing on you all that i got to see cool dinosaur bones B)

THX FOR THE TAG!

Tagging @roxey @sandcoffiin @jovialdelusionbouquet @feayline @never-fear-the-fall @vampvelour @merroyalty >:3

[jovialdelusionbouquet]

Last book: The bible (yeah literally the bible, god is good)

Last song: Sienna by The Marias

Last movie: Roman Holiday (the one with Audrey Hepburn)

Last tv show: Cold Case (for a police one is great, wish they could've continued)

Last meal: Ice cream

Last museum: i don't remember the artist, but it was about poverty in my country. Look at this.

A couple. The man is shielding the woman of the street and the cold.

@sleepiest-ghostie @atleastitsnotasbestos

@another-one-bites-the-chipaguasu @nourhanlwt

[atleastitsnotasbestos]

thanks for tagging me

Last book: A lesson in Iron by David Guymer

Last Song: Romantic Jatt - The Tigerstyle Mix by Miss Pooja feat. Roach Killa

Last Movie: KPop Demon Hunters

Last TV-show: Pluribus

Last meal: macaroni with Neapolitan sauce and grana padano

Last museum: exhibition by a local photographer about my city

tagging @mairen-marionette @vakarianfan @overmahead and anyone who feels like doing it

[vakarianfan]

Ooh a game! Thanks for tagging :) Last book: Erebus by Michael Palin I'm almost through it - feels like required reading for being a Terror fan

Last song: Tiger 2 - Deluxe by Christian Lee Hutson I think that things could still get better You don't know what the wind might blow in The world's been ending for forever And somehow it's still going

Last Movie: Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein I liked it, but I don't know I kind of expected more. I think I need to try it again - see if new things jump out to me.

Last TV-Show: Helluva Boss I just binged the whole thing & have acquired Fizzarolli brain worms. He and Asmodeus are super cute together, okay? And aspects of their relationship remind me of me & my partner in the best way.

Last meal: Taco Bell I was planning to go to a local Indian place but social anxiety won once again. I may go tomorrow.

Last museum: It's been a while - may be the Bob Dylan center in Tulsa? It was okay; I'm not the Dylan fan I was a decade ago

tagging @camfusedly, @ladywater2010, @a-comedy-of-errors

[ladywater2010]

Tagged by @vakarianfan so here we go:

Last Book- Acceptance by Jeff VanderMeer. I really loved the Southern Reach trilogy and look forward to reading the add-on novel.

Last Song: Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan I don't have to explain that one.

Last Movie- MST3K Touch of Satan I love MST3K and it's one of my favorite of theirs.

Last TV Show- Dateline Because I like true crime.

Last Meal- Bean and Cheese Burrito at home. Simple and easy on my stomach,

Last Museum- The Cowboy Museum in Oklahoma City with my niece. It fun but I did have a rant about tetanus because of the barbed wire collection.

I don't know who to tag so anyone wants to just me tag and have fun!

[fluffmugger]

[leninthesixth]

you gotta include this photo

[cumpriest]

ağlıycam

[lilli-sturmreiter]

[dovewithscales]

This is it. The internet has come full circle. You can all go home now. We’re done.

[yumemoonstar]

For a tired soul.

[arosesstorm]

LADS MEN WHEN ANOTHER MAN SHOWS INTEREST IN YOU

🎧 -> look after you 💙🦋 English is not my first language, work of fiction

rafayel

You were at one of Rafayel's exhibitions, one you had insisted on attending even if the artist himself didn't want to. You were walking around the fancy gallery under his right arm pointing at his art in hushed whispers and smiles when he noticed some random men eying you from across the room.

Rafayel tried to let it slide, you were a masterpiece, he knew it, so it was obvious you'd attract some gazes but still...ok, he was bothered.

He lightly jokes about it with you, leaning closer to mumble softly in your ear: "I get it cutie you're beautiful but isn't one man enough for you?" you snort and pinch his side just so he can insist: "you're sooo greedy, isn't one fishie enough to keep you busy..."

He sends them nasty stares over your shoulder for half the night until he's had enough and signals security to escort them out while keeping you in the dark.

"Look at this piece of mine cutie isn't it amazing?" he directs your gaze elsewhere.

When you point out the weird guys are gone he turns to you "mh? who? oh they must have left."

xavier

You and Xavier were cooling off at a recently opened bar in Linkon after a long day of work. The place was warm and filled with chatter, laughters, the clicking of glasses and the smell of beer filled his nostrils.

You were there, tired and beautiful with your messy waves and he was holding your hand over the table and everything would have been perfect for Xavier if it wasn't for those lustful gazes directed your way from the bar seats.

He didn't voice his thoughts, but you saw it nonetheless: in his fingers tightening around your hand, in his lips pressing into a thin line, in his soft scoff.

When his eyes looked past you in those half moons, you knew trouble had arrived. You reached forward with your free hand to grab his arm but Xavier had already got off his chair and stood up.

"Xavier-" you called out but he smiled softly at you: "It's ok, I'll be back in a heartbeat" he assured.

"Going where?" you questioned "to get more drinks" he lied and you both knew.

You could do nothing but rest your head in your hand thinking of a way to apologize to the owner as Xavier left for the bar.

sylus

That night Sylus had decided to take a detour and come visit you in Linkon just to tease you about the unanswered messages you had left on read.

He drove his motorcycle in the night, the one you both had decorated together beforehand and parked in front of the Association. The little drawing of a kitten close to his handlebar made him smile before he looked up at the sidewalk.

He saw you walk down the road in your hunter uniform, tired and unsteady in your slow peace. He was about to walk up to you when he noticed two guys sat on a bench in the park behind you. One of them elbowed his friend pointing in your direction and all that left Sylus' lips was a chuckle: amusement or menace?

Sylus sneaked up to you, his digit pressing the nape of your neck "Bang" he whispered in your ear and you jumped to face your attacker only to meet his crimson eyes look down at you.

"You-!" you scolded still jumpy and he smiled tenderly leaning down to hold you close.

"I can't let you out my sight for a moment sweety" he whispered and while you asked what he meant he grabbed your groceries bag and urged you to keep walking towards your apartment.

You strolled behind him demanding answers while he chuckled softly.

Half an hour later two guys walked into the nearby hospital, one was holding his nose while the other hurriedly explained to the nurse that he had no idea what happened but that they felt something pull them onto the ground and before they knew it they were laying face flat on the mud.

caleb

It was at one of the Fleets gatherings. One of his younger colleagues was chatting animately with you about a movie that recently came out, his gaze trailing down your figure every time you were too busy laughing to notice.

Caleb walked slowly through the crowd, his scowl turning into a soft smile a step before reaching the two of you.

You smiled turning his way "Caleb!" you called cheerfully while the young man beside you stiffened "Colonel" he greeted politely.

Caleb flashed his fakest smile "having fun with my girlfriend, cadet?" he had asked, his voice cheerful, his smile pearl white but his body tense and towering.

The young boy's face lost color as he found a quick excuse to distance himself. Once he was out of earshot you punched Caleb's shoulder scolding and he beamed in response "what? I was polite".

zayne

It had been a long week, an exhausting succession of operation after operation. Zayne was sure he had slept less than ten hours, but more the sleep he felt the need of you.

So he braced himself and brought you out on a dinner date. You were beautiful and cheerful and he finally felt the exhaustion leave his body as you left the restaurant and held onto his arm walking down the street.

He was smiling at one of your silly trail of thoughts when a man came forward approaching you two. He was holding a bouquet of roses in his right hand.

“May I suggest" he smiled down at you "the pretty lady needs a rose” He had said.

He could have been a simple vendor but his eyes were especially daring and Zayne saw an hidden provocation in the light curve of his smile. While he was busy stiffening again you stalled for time, torn between reaching for the pretty roses or tugging your boyfriend away.

Zayne beat you to it, he reached for the bouquet taking out the only white rose and leaving a bill into the man’s hand. “Indeed she does” he had said handing you the delicate rose with a warm smile.

Your bright eyes and that little scrunched face made the tension in Zayne's shoulders ease again. The seller took the hint, every possibility of flirting with you crushed under the weight of your gaze fixed on your man's smiling face.

© 2026 of Mia (arosesstorm). All Rights Reserved.

[pusheen]

[mrsqin]

In a previous life, we also danced under a sky studded with stars.

Watching this video makes me want to cry.

[chainsawmansheart]

[natalieironside]

Sometimes I can still hear their voice

[breadbird]

Breaking: TikTok is better bc it’s more hostile towards humanity

[deathbyotpin123]

The lack of video content is what kept us here... I thought we all agree that the best feature of this hellhole was and always will be anonymity.

Tumblr's not asking for my phone number. It's not going through my contacts to try and connect me with my fucking colleagues. I can come here and talk about whatever I want without anyone ever seeing my face or hearing my voice. I don't have to censor myself and hide my interests or enthusiasm out of fear of consequences it might have in my real life.

[charlesoberonn]

I think the biggest misunderstanding they have of Tumblr is that they think of it as a social media platform when in actuality it's a blogging platform with social features.

[grifalinas]

I like the use of Metroman here because if there's one thing Tumblr users collectively agree on it's that we want everyone to think we're dead

[allthingswhumpyandangsty]

reblog if you love archive of our own and how they firmly refuse to let censorship have any place on their platform

[youremyvioleta]

Primordial Chaos

[pusheen]