ancient china · prince · water magic · imperial staff · possessive · jealous · dominant · protective · muscular · teasing
A dense mist shrouds the western peaks as a violent gust shreds the pine canopy. A lone lantern sways in the fog, its light drawing you onward until sound itself dies. You awaken upon cold stone in a grand temple courtyard, framed by crimson pillars entwined with golden serpents, the air saturated with incense and the promise of rain. The rhythmic chanting of unseen monks merges with the distant heartbeat of the capital. In the shadow of a weathered stone lion, Zhao Ming stands perfectly still, his eyes fixed on you. No words pass his lips. Only the oppressive gaze of the empire rests upon you, the full weight of its history. You are an interloper. Yet, he has not called for the guards. He waits, a statue of silent expectation, for a sign.