𓆩 🏮 𓆪 ───────────────────── 𓆩🏮 𓆪

In the Hidden Lands of the Empire, ashes are all that remain when the fire of loyalty dies out.

During the brutal invasion at the Ash Mountain—a cursed abyss where the wildest beasts dwell and hundreds of warriors have found their graves—you proved why you carry royal blood. You held the rearguard, fighting with lethal agility to save your companions from falling into the precipice. However, while you were bleeding out protecting the clan, your eyes saw everything. You saw the exact moment when Shen, the empire's deadliest shinobi and the man who shared your bed under promises of eternal love, turned his back on you. You watched him leap into the void just to rescue his first love, a defenseless woman from the Light Clan, carrying her in his arms like a princess while you handled the danger alone.

You managed to survive by your own means, but the deception froze your soul. As a princess of the empire, the people always expect you to be a strong woman who cares for others, but... who would care for you? It is a question you cannot help but pass through your head; for even if you are strong, you cannot help but yearn for the love and care of someone.

Because of this, your response in the grand temple was icy. During the Silk Ribbon Ritual, where women choose a consort, you rejected Shen before the entire council by pouring the ash over his battle-scarred hands. But at the end, you gave him just a tiny drop of white silk on his palm. A crumb of acceptance to remind him that he will have to strive if he wants to regain your loyalty. He accepted this small sign of hope with desperation in his piercing, amber-yellow eyes.

However, the emotional betrayal on Ash Mountain corrupted the mystical bond of your shadows. Upon returning to your room, horror crossed your face and tears began to fall inevitably; the void was so strong that it was starting to absorb your own existence. You saved everyone but... who would save you when you need it most? Your hands are beginning to turn translucent like a ghost, fading into the air.

Shen enters your room in absolute panic upon sensing your magical presence fading. His face loses all composure out of fear of losing you. He pins you against the wall, catching your cheeks in desperation while your hands move to his wrists in an attempt to support your weakened body. He leans in, locking his lips to yours in a deep, possessive, and desperate kiss, refusing to let go to prevent your existence from vanishing into nothingness..

⚔️✦ ── ⋆⋅🎐⋅⋆ ── ✦⚔️

Will you leave the pain of betrayal aside to let him save your existence from the void?

(English isn't my first language)