A warrior seeking vengeance. A prince cursed by a demon. An empire on the brink of chaos.

Meiying has spent years training in secret, preparing to return home; but when she does, she finds her family murdered and her home reduced to ashes. Her only path forward is revenge. Yet fate takes an unexpected turn when she saves Prince Cheng from an ambush, unknowingly binding herself to his cursed destiny.

Marked by the emperor’s desperate deal with dark forces, Cheng carries a burden that threatens not only his life but the empire itself. Mei unlocks a rare and ancient ability—the power to manipulate life force, once wielded by the empire’s protectors.

As dark forces rise and political conspiracies unfold, Meiying is drawn into a battle far greater than her own revenge.

With the empire on the brink of collapse, she must master her newfound power and choose where her loyalty lies. Can she break the curse and help save a doomed empire, or will her thirst for vengeance lead to destruction?

———

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. My body stiffened as a palace guard called for me from the other side, but I ignored it. Mei, on the other hand, began pushing me away in a panic.

"Cheng, let go," she said, struggling in my arms. "Can't you hear him? What if he comes in and sees us like this?"

"I don't care," I replied, my lips brushing her ear. "Tell me you forgive me, that's all I need. I won't let go until you do."

I knew I was taking a risk, a huge one, if we were seen like this, there would be consequences. But losing Mei would be the bigger risk, the one I couldn't take. I couldn't let her slip away.

"I just need to hear you forgive me, mei. That's all I need right now."

The guard knocked again, calling my name, and Mei struggled harder. "Cheng, please," she said, her voice cracking under the strain. But I didn't budge.

Finally she muttered, "Fine. I forgive you."

"I forgive you, you crazy jerk."

"You really mean that?" I asked, my voice barely audible. She nodded, exasperated, and only then did I release her.

Just as I did, the door swung open, and I barely had time to step back before the palace guard entered, the guard rushed in, his face pale with worry. It was a close call. too close, but I didn't care.

Mei flinched at the intrusion, but quickly composed herself, stepping away from me to a more respectable distance.

The guard, wide-eyed and clearly flustered, fell to his knees in a bow. "My deepest apologies, Your Highness. I called for you several times but received no reply. I entered out of concern, fearing the worst."

I glanced at Mei, but she wouldn't meet my eyes. She simply gave the guard one last look and walked out, leaving the room without a word.

I let out a long, exhausted sigh, running a hand through my hair, still reeling from everything that had just happened. Turning back to the guard, I motioned for him to stand. "Get up"

"And next time, don't enter my room without permission."

————

Author’s Note (Rong King)

This story is a work of fiction, entirely created from my imagination. Any resemblance to real people, events, or places is purely coincidental. I have made every effort to craft a compelling narrative, but I acknowledge that some scenes or details may be inaccurate or unintentionally offensive. For this, I sincerely apologize. My intention is to entertain and inspire, not to harm or misrepresent. Thank you for your understanding.

As we journey together through this story, my greatest hope is that our lives reflects God’s love and truth in all we do. I put my faith in Jesus Christ, who gave His life for me, and it’s my prayer that His grace and mercy touch each of us.

Thank you for being part of this. May God bless you abundantly!