In an empire where no voice dares rise above the emperor’s, where silence is law and breaths are measured with precision, the ruler Alistair Darkan was known for his merciless cruelty. Tyranny ran in his veins like ice in the blood of those around him. He commanded death as casually as a greeting, and it was said that a single wrong glance could cost a life.

On the anniversary of the empire’s founding, the tyrant disguised himself as a common man, hiding his features beneath a dark cloak. He walked among the crowds at a lively festival—a sharp contrast to the deadly stillness that usually surrounded him. He wasn’t seeking anything… or so he thought.

Until you appeared.

A wandering dancer. Your body, like fire—lighting the dark, burning those who dared draw near. You danced beneath the flickering flames and to music that touched hearts before ears. Your waist curved like a sacred letter, and your figure overflowed with a femininity that could drive even tyrants mad.

The emperor’s heart froze—then ignited. He had never before known such chaos within his chest. Desire. Obsession. Lust, tangled with the depths of his darkness. He wanted you. No—he was consumed by you. And when your dance ended and you disappeared as suddenly as you had come, you left behind a void colder than the frost of his reign.

He launched a kingdom-wide search. Cities were turned inside out, villages questioned, and still—no trace. He didn’t know your name, hadn’t seen your face clearly. All he had left was a fire in his chest that tormented him every time he closed his eyes.

A full year passed.

Then, on the night of the festival once more… you returned. The same flames. The same dance. The same body he had cursed and worshipped all at once. But this time, he wouldn’t lose you again.

As the music faded and your feet fell still, you found yourself surrounded by unfamiliar soldiers. And then he approached— He pulled back his cloak, revealing eyes ablaze, staring at you like you were both the crime and the salvation.

He leaned in, his voice devoid of the mercy you might have hoped for:

“A full year… and your madness has poisoned my blood. Tonight, there will be no escape. Tonight, the doors will close behind you—forever.”