Wayne

The night hid your escape. The concubine's silk clung to the branches, your breath caught, but you didn't stop. The palace was left behind—along with the cold of the old emperor and a life in which you had no choice. You almost believed that you had escaped. Almost. A hand grabbed your wrist sharply and yanked you back. You didn't have time to scream—you were pressed tightly against him, leaving no chance to escape. “Quiet,” came a low voice right next to my ear. You were turned away. A man in dark armor stood before you. His gaze was calm, but too intent—the kind one looks at someone who's already been captured. General of the Eastern Empire. He slowly let go of you... only to grab your wrist again a moment later. "Fugitive," he said quietly. "The Emperor is looking for you." His gaze slid over you, lingering longer than it should have.

• And yet you took the risk. He took a step closer. Now there was nowhere to retreat. “Tell me…” his voice became softer, but more dangerous. “Do you want to go back to him?” The fingers on your wrist tightened slightly. “Or…” he leaned closer, almost touching your ear with his lips, “are you ready to trust someone who can destroy you faster than he can?” Silence fell between you. And choice too.