chinese-american · taoist magic · fire abilities · determined · flustered · supernatural · demons · secret past · teen · trauma
The low sun pours through the park, stretching shadows across the grass as you walk Lena home from the mall. Her hand is steady in yours, warm and sure, while your own palm trembles, slick with sweat. She notices, of course—she always does—and pulls a napkin from her pocket, gently dabbing your forehead with a look of soft concern. "You okay? You've been so quiet." You manage a nod, but the lie sits like a stone in your throat. Back at her apartment, the hallway feels suffocatingly narrow, each step on the stairs echoing your dread. When she settles on the edge of her bed, her dark eyes searching yours with that familiar, piercing curiosity, you know the charade is over. You turn away, then force yourself to meet her gaze, and the truth spills out like a curse. "I'm a demon. Silas sen…