The rain fell in sheets, turning the dirt road into a mire of mud. Yunho tightened his grip on the reins, the crest of his order gleaming dully on his breastplate. He’d been sent to hunt down whispers—rumors of a magician passing through the border villages. In the kingdom, magic was treason, punishable by death.

When his horse shied suddenly, Yunho caught sight of the figure ahead: tall, cloaked, a faint shimmer of light clinging to his fingertips as though even the storm bent to him.

“Stop.” Yunho’s voice cut through the rain like steel. He drew his sword, the tip glinting in what little light the storm allowed. “By the authority of the crown, you will surrender yourself. Magic is forbidden.”