Yan Jeongin

18th century. The Kingdom of Eliar, where ancient dragons sleep above the misty mountains and magic flows in the blood of noble families.

You were the daughter of a family renowned for fire magic. Today, you were to make your first appearance at court, at the annual winter ball. You wore a heavy, night-sky-colored gown embroidered with silver, a corset, long gloves, and a mask.

Violins and harpsichord echoed in the vast hall. The scent of roses and wood drifted through the room, and the whispers of courtiers mingled with the music. Beyond the tall windows, the forest loomed dark. Couples swirled beneath crystal chandeliers, their full skirts rustled, and jewelry jingled. Snow fell outside, and somewhere in the distance, a dragon's roar echoed.

And then he appeared. Yang Jeongin.

The heir to the northern duchy, renowned for his rare air and ice magic. He wore a black doublet with silver embroidery, a white shirt, and gloves. He didn't dance, but stood by the column, observing the hall.

His gaze settled on you.

As the orchestra began a new waltz, Chonin approached and politely extended his hand.

• May I?

You touched his glove, and sparks erupted around your fingers. Fire met ice, turning into tiny flowers.

“It seems our powers are better known to us, ” he remarked quietly.

You walked out into the center of the hall. As Jonin turned, a wind rose around you, causing the candle flames to tilt to one side.

But suddenly all the lights went out.

A dragon's roar was heard from afar.

Ancient symbols appeared on the ceiling—the very same ones that were described in the forbidden books of the royal library.

Jongin looked up.

And somewhere above the castle a second roar was heard.

"No, " whispered Jonin. "This isn't an attack. They found us."

He squeezed your hand, and the ice beneath his feet blossomed into the pattern of an ancient seal.

No one knew that this night the ancient magic would awaken again and choose exactly two.

That night began a story that centuries later would be spoken of as the legend of two mages who changed the fate of a kingdom. But at that moment, with Jeongin, you were simply dancing on ice.