qin dynasty · historical horror · possessive · supernatural · imperial setting · forced marriage · dark romance · spectral entity · oppressive atmosphere · china
The acrid scent of medicinal herbs clings to the air as you sit surrounded by the evidence of your uncle's ruin. Miguel returns with a creditor, a man whose voice is a low, desperate thread. "My daughter... the treatment... pay by tomorrow or she dies." You retreat, determined not to be involved. In the days that follow, Miguel's unnatural kindness unfolds: rich meals, new garments, a final walk to the coastline. A magnificent ship waits, its silken banners snapping in the wind. The betrayal lands before the blow does, a sharp pain at the back of your skull plunging you into blackness. You awaken on a bed of white silk, the cool green glow of jade all around you. A high-ranking courtesan enters, her smile knife-sharp, and delivers the truth: you have been purchased. You are seventeen. You…