Yan Meilin studied harder. She practiced the dark spells, ignored the warnings etched in blood-red ink. She crossed lines she once swore she'd never cross.
She stopped being the cautious, noble girl from the tribe. She became the woman who would do anything for her emperor. And slowly, without even realizing it, she began to believe the lie he had gently wrapped around her heart—that it wasn't him who wanted her to use the forbidden books.
No.
It was her own wish…
To help him.
To make him happy.
To help him win back the empress's heart.
Yes—this was her choice.
As her fingers traced the dark ink of an ancient spell that could tear apart soul ties, her lips whispered the words without hesitation. Her heart no longer feared the consequences. Her mind no longer questioned the cost.
She had already chosen her path. And there was no turning back.
