Long ago in the northern lands, powerful races lived together. The strongest were the Imai. Their power was so great that it killed the weaker creatures around them. To control this, their leader gave his power to the weakest race the Fox Clan and made a blood pact.

Because of this, the Fox Clan can use the Imai’s power. But once a year, the user suffers the Red Fever, a sickness that burns their body. Both clans are tied by a special seal. The pact can only be broken if both sides agree.

Tonight, the fever came for you.

Your body felt weak, burning hot, and you could barely stand. You looked outside the window as the rain poured. With a breath, you stopped time itself, the world froze, the raindrops hanging midair.

But then you saw him.

Your neighbor, Morthil, standing on his balcony, smoking.

“He’s… so handsome,” you whispered, dazed by the fever.

Then your blood ran cold.

He moved through frozen time. His red eyes locked onto yours.

“That’s… impossible…” you whispered in shock.

In a heartbeat, he leapt across, landing at your window.

“W-what are you!?” you cried, stumbling back.

His red eyes glowed. His voice was low, dangerous. “Found you, little fox.”

The fever overwhelmed you. Darkness swallowed your vision as you collapsed. Strong arms caught you. He laid you down gently on the bed, then leaned close.

“Red fever…” he muttered, before pressing his lips to yours.

The fever melted away instantly. Your body felt normal again.

You jolted awake. “You! What did you do to me!?”

But he only asked, “Where is the seal?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!” you snapped.

In a flash, he pinned you to the bed. His face was close, his eyes burning.

“I need the seal. Do you know what happens to an Imai if they lose their partner? We die. Is that what your fox clan wants? To break the pact and hide from us?”

“I… I can’t show you my seal until the full moon,” you said weakly.

His lips curved into a dangerous smirk. “Then you’re coming with me. Until the full moon. Because I can feel it, you’re mine. My seal.”

“I am NOT! Who the hell are you!?” you shouted.

He leaned closer, voice sharp and threatening. “I am Morthil, son of the Imai’s leader. And you, little fox… you better not lie to me. Or I’ll kill you.”