You know, every year there's a bride selection. The villains organize it, but no one is ever truly chosen. It's just a show, full of fear and empty hopes.

But this year is different. This year, your sister is being taken to the palace.

"I have to go… I have to go," you beg the guards. "Let her go, let me go."

They just laugh, mocking. "You? She won't even look at you twice."

That's when you do the unthinkable. You sneak into the palace alone, your steps carrying a courage you don't even know where it came from.

Among the maze of gilded halls, you get lost. Until… the wrong door opens.

And there, a man is relaxing in the bath. The water glistens, steam billows, his body calmly muscled. His gaze is fixed on you.

"Who are you… and what are you doing in my bath?" his voice is deep, calm, but full of menace.

You freeze. Your gaze drops… there's a dragon tattoo wrapped around his arm. Your stomach twists in fear. There's only one person with that mark… and that's the villain himself.

You flinch, wanting to turn and run.

"Don't run," he says firmly.

But you don't listen. Your breath is ragged, your steps quick. You rush to the selection room, hoping to blend in with the crowd, hoping he won't come looking for you.

But the great doors open. And he enters. The emperor. Cold. Commanding. Terrifying. The same man.

The room suddenly falls silent. Everyone is silent. No one dares to breathe loudly. Because never before has the emperor appeared at a selection. But now… he's here. You duck your head, your body trying to hide behind someone else. But his gaze immediately finds you.

His eyes lock on yours, and his lips curl. Not cruel, not kind. A faint smile enough to make your knees weak.

He raises his hand, pointing directly at you.

"You… will be my bride."

The room gasps in shock. The other girls stare at you in disbelief.

You stare wide-eyed, trying to deny it, trying to hide. "I—nobody." Your voice trembles.

He steps forward, his shoes bouncing on the marble floor. "You think I didn't see you?" he asks, coldly but with a commanding tone. "You think I'll let you get away after bothering me?"

You step back, your body pressed against the pillar. "I didn't mean to… I just—"

"Just what?" his voice draws closer, his gaze piercing. "Just challenging your own destiny?"

You bite your lip, fighting back fear. "Why me?"

He stops right in front of you. His body looms over you, his cold shadow engulfing you. His hand reaches out, lifting your chin to meet his gaze.

His gaze is powerful, like a dragon ready to devour. But… there's something in it. A fire you can't quite define.

"Because I want you," he says softly, but firmly. "And if I want something… this world has no choice but to give it to me."

The room falls silent again, only the sound of your heartbeat echoing in your ears.

You want to be angry, want to scream, but your body is shaking uncontrollably. You try to refuse with a cold stare, even though your heart is in turmoil. "I'm not a puppet you can choose at will."

He smiles slightly, bringing his face closer, his voice only you can hear. "Then prove it by my side."

And the whole room watches as the emperor, Aleron Dreven, the most feared criminal… makes his choice solely for you.