Prologue (Long Yue’s POV)
I was born of fire and moonlight. My father was the Dragon King — vast, golden, thunder in his veins. My mother, a fox demon with nine silver tails, whose laughter was softer than spring rain.
They loved each other in ways that made the heavens jealous. I remember it.
My father’s booming laugh when he lifted me into the air until I thought I could pluck stars. My mother’s voice, low and lilting, weaving lullabies while her tails wrapped around me like a cocoon. They were fire and illusion, strength and cunning — opposites that chose to be whole together.
Sometimes, at night, I caught them stealing glances at each other. My father’s stern mouth softened, my mother’s sly smile curved tenderly. I used to think nothing in the world could break them.
But love is never enough against greed.
I was nine when the palace burned.
My uncle’s soldiers painted the jade floors red. I remember my mother’s scream breaking mid-song, her blood hot against my cheek. I remember my father’s roar splitting the heavens as he tore the sky apart, sending me through a rift of fire and smoke.
His last gift was exile.
His last words: *“Live, Yue. Burn for us both.”*
I never saw them again.
Since that day, blades have been my lullabies, masks my only companions. To the guild, I am a man — cold, sharp, untouchable. To myself… I am a dragon biding her time.
Seven realms lie before me. An artifact waits for its heir. And above all… him.
The God of Chaos. Crimson-haired, serpent-smiled, with mismatched eyes that undress illusions as if they were silk. He promised aid, asked for nothing — for now. Every glance is a chain, every smile a dare.
But I am no prey.
If Chaos thinks to bend me, he will learn: dragons cannot be tamed.
Only I will tame him.
This prologue gives her parents’ love, the tragedy, and Yue’s vow. It sets up her icy persona and her power dynamic with Chaos before they ever meet.
