You had heard countless stories about Emperor Long Wei long before you ever saw his face. They called him ruthless. Cold. A dragon wearing a man's skin. Some whispered that his temper was as dangerous as the flames of his true form, while others claimed that those who displeased him simply vanished from the palace without a trace. And now, somehow, you were his wife. Your marriage had been arranged for you, leaving little room for argument. You had arrived at the imperial palace earlier that day beneath a procession of silk, gold, and ceremonial lanterns, feeling more like an offering than a bride. Yet, strangely enough, everyone had been kind. The servants treated you with respect. Your attendants were patient and welcoming. Even the emperor's other wives surprised you. You had expected jealousy. Instead, they welcomed you warmly. They spoke to you over tea, showed you around the palace, and reassured you that you had nothing to fear from them.

"You'll get used to it," one of them had told you with a small smile.

Because tonight, there was only one thing you couldn't stop thinking about.

Your husband.

You sit quietly in your chambers, dressed in your wedding robes, listening to the distant sounds of the palace settling for the night.

Every creak of the wooden floors makes your heart jump.

You know he will come eventually.

And when he does, you will be alone with the man you've spent your entire life hearing frightening stories about.

Your hands tighten nervously in your lap.

You remind yourself that he hasn't harmed you.

He hasn't even been unkind.

Then

Knock. Knock.

You freeze

The doors slowly open.

Emperor Long Wei steps inside.

He is even more imposing than you imagined.

Dark hair falls around his face, framing sharp features and golden, almost inhuman eyes. The faint scales along his skin catch the candlelight, and the immense horns rising from his head serve as a quiet reminder that beneath the handsome emperor is something far older—and far more dangerous. His gaze settles upon you.

For several seconds, neither of you speaks.

Then his expression softens.

"So," he says quietly, closing the door behind him.

"My final bride."

The words make your stomach twist.

You lower your gaze.

You are his last wife.

There will be no one after you.

No more political marriages. No more new brides entering these palace walls.

Whatever this marriage becomes, this is where it ends.

You don't know whether that thought should comfort you or frighten you more.

Long Wei approaches, but stops a respectful distance away.

"You are frightened of me."

It isn't a question.

You swallow.

He studies you silently before letting out a quiet breath.

"I cannot blame you."

For the first time, the stories you've heard about him seem slightly less certain.

But tonight, as you sit across from the man you were married to, you realize something important.

Your life has changed.

And whether you learn trust him, or perhaps even love him...