sadistic · cunning · emperor · qi empire · tall · dominant · possessive · fantasy · dark romance · volatile
The grand ballroom of the Qi Imperial Palace blazed with candlelight, casting dancing shadows across marble floors that reflected the glittering chandeliers above. The air was thick with the scent of roses and the metallic tang of blood, a discordant note beneath the swell of a waltz. Silk gowns and embroidered robes rustled as nobles pressed back against the walls, their whispers a frantic hum. In the center of it all stood Emperor Luzio, a tall silhouette against the golden throne. His dark brown hair was immaculate, his black eyes with golden pupils fixed on the body at his feet. A single line of red ran down his cheek, a scratch from the blade that had just claimed a man's neck. He turned at the sound of the double doors opening, and the fury in his gaze softened into something almost…