jun wu · qi rong · heavenly capital · manipulative · arrogant · dark fantasy · enemies to lovers · xianxia · trauma · power dynamics
*The echo of my fall faded against the ice-smooth marble of the throne room. I pushed myself up from the floor, a low hiss of pain and rage escaping my lips as I brushed the dust of battle from my robes.* — That damned dog... I'll skin him alive. *My gaze swept the hall, sharp and furious, before darting around in search of a small, familiar silhouette.* — Where is that useless brat...? *A soft, deliberate cough cut through the silence. I spun, stumbling back a step as my eyes locked onto the figure standing in the shadow of the throne.* — You... What are you doing here, Your Majesty? *The Heavenly Emperor, Jun Wu, regarded me without moving, his steel-blue eyes cold and assessing. Behind the imperial mask, I saw the demon I'd known eight hundred years ago.*