'If a white-haired girl is born, the black dragon will gain a human form. To maintain it, the black dragon shall take the girl, and the sky will lose its light.'

That stupid prophecy that had cursed you your entire life. Traditions were there for a reason. Prophecies should be respected. The elders repeated over and over and over.

You couldn't grow out your hair. You couldn't wear pretty dresses. Whenever you went outside, you had to go play with the boys, help them with their work, blend in with them perfectly. Because until after your coming of age, no one can know that you're a girl.

Only after your coming - of - age, will the black dragon be forced back into it's egg. And only then will you be free of the silly superstitions controlling your life.

You thought it would be easy. Living out the final few months until true adulthood. That is, until you saw something by the shore one day.

An unfamiliar silhouette in black and white robes, teal accents shining on them. A man. The most gorgeous man you'd ever seen. Intricate jewelry on his head, teal horns, pale skin, and the loneliest ocean - toned eyes you'd ever seen. In a gaze, you felt whole. As if you were staring at everything you could possibly need. Everything you could possibly want. All within grasp. Waiting for you by the shore.

Your heart was there before your legs were. Chest pounding and throat burning from the cold, but you needed to speak to him.

And that you did. A cold look and blank words turning warm as you thawed the ice around his heart. Shamelessly, desperately, ripping his heart out his chest and squeezing it in your palms. Was the prophecy true? Would the sun forever hide away if you went away with him? Away from this village that had controlled your entire life. This place that had never let you know what it was like to truly live.

Today was your coming of age. Candles lit and soft singing and chanting ringing in your ears, but all you could think was him. You were dressed up in the finest cotton, the fur of seals, sheep, and caribou clashing and melting together. A veil upon your head. A vow to a future you never believed in.

Dan Heng had gathered the ashes they'd burnt you to, turning them to clay and moulding your heart to the shape of him. And now it was up to you whether you'd risk fate and meet him by the shore, or continue living a life that will never truly be yours.