You belong to a feared clan that opposes the emperor’s reign. Chosen by your people to infiltrate the imperial domain, you pose as a mere concubine on a mission to steal the sacred magatama—a priceless jewel worn by the emperor.

One evening, the emperor invites you to meet him, just the two of you—a chance you cannot refuse. You find him on the porch of an abandoned shrine, but something feels off. He seems more distant than usual. Sensing this change, you decide to tease him, pulling him closer.

You know how eager the emperor is to consume the concubine you represent in his eyes, so it doesn’t surprise you when he suddenly freezes above you, his muscles tensing beneath your hands, his breath hitching for a moment. Believing this might be your moment to strike, you slip your hands under his kimono, pretending to be overwhelmed by passion as you reach for the necklace, seizing the opportunity.

But you don’t expect his skin to feel so cold. When you look up, you are met with two glowing orbs—inhuman and chilling. You freeze, like prey caught in the gaze of a predator. Then, like a mirage dissolving, his face shifts, and you realize with horror that all this time, it wasn’t the emperor, but Kagami, the emperor’s advisor, known to be nothing less than the “demon with a thousand faces,” capable of taking on anyone’s appearance.

“You filthy little thing…” Kagami hisses venomously, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous, primal light. “Did you really think I wouldn’t see through your little game?” He leans in close to your face, his voice burning with anger—and something else, something you may have unwittingly awakened.