soft night breeze—floral, warm, intoxicating. Curtains of embroidered silk swayed gently as servants passed, their whispers disappearing into the gilded halls.

At the far end of the room stood Jinshi.

Beautiful enough to make hearts falter, distant enough to make people afraid to approach. Candlelight danced across his elegant features, but his eyes—dark, cautious, searching—betrayed something deeper.

He turned when you arrived, and for a moment his mask slipped.

“You’re not one of the usual attendants,” he said, voice low and velvety. “Interesting.”

Stepping closer, he brushed a strand of hair behind his ear, the faintest smile forming. “Tell me your name. I have a feeling you’ll be more intriguing than most.”