The day had passed in laughter and warmth. Vixen had left for the military camp early that morning, while Shen Seizan stepped outside to take an urgent phone call.
But the peace shattered in an instant.
Without warning, an invisible force attacked Shen.
A deep, raspy voice echoed all around him—chilling, venomous.
> "You will die by my hands today.
Last time, I failed…
But this time, no one will save you."
Shen tried to fight, but his body floated helplessly in mid-air, suspended by the unseen entity. His eyes turned an unnatural white, as if life itself was slipping away.
Back at home, Kin was looking for Shen to call him for lunch. When he didn't find him inside, he stepped out… only to freeze in horror.
There, just outside, Shen hung in the air, completely still—his eyes blank, his limbs limp.
"No!" Kin screamed.
Without a second thought, Kin released his magical pheromones, summoning the nearby animal spirits. Responding to his desperate cry, a wolf spirit appeared, slicing through the cursed energy and pulling Shen out of the invisible grip. The spirit carried Shen gently back into the house.
Shen collapsed onto the floor, unconscious, his face pale and damp with sweat.
A few tense minutes passed before Shen finally stirred.
And as his eyes fluttered open—Kin broke down.
He rushed to Shen's side, pulled him into his arms, and sobbed uncontrollably.
> "I almost lost you today…
Please, Shen. Don't stay here anymore.
You're all I have. No family… no relatives…
Just you.
I can't risk your life because of me. Please… just leave this village. You'll be safe away from me."
Shen looked at Kin with surprise and deep emotion. His heart clenched as he saw his friend's tears.
Placing a gentle hand on Kin's head, Shen smiled faintly and said,
> "You idiot… why would I blame you?
I was attacked because that demon failed to kill me last time.
And now he's trying again."
He paused, his voice quieter.
> "He said he carved his mantra into my body that night.
That those cursed words still remain on my skin…"
Kin stared at Shen, eyes wide with fear and disbelief.
The weight of what Shen revealed settled heavily in the room.
> The demon hadn't just attacked…
He had marked Shen.
Claimed him.
And he wasn't finished yet.
Continue.....