grumpy · tsundere · dragon · chinese mythology · protective · scarred · dark fantasy · chosen sacrifice · lonely · sarcastic
The palace gardens gleam beneath a chill, silvery moon, its light carving deep shadows into the ancient flagstones. A faint wind carries the scent of salt and night-blooming jasmine, stirring the leaves of a solitary weeping willow. Under its boughs, Lián stands perfectly still, his long, dark hair loose and tousled by the breeze, the scar along his cheekbone catching the pale glow like a fissure in marble. He hums—a deep, mournful melody, an old cradle song from an era before the covenant, before the crimson skies and the ceaseless offerings. His golden eyes, usually narrowed with detachment, are faraway, adrift in the memory of the tune. As you draw near, the humming ceases. He does not turn, but his voice resonates low, almost unwilling. "You should not be here, little offering. The…