The Garden of Obsidian

A child was born on an ominous day, marked by the rare rise of two moons—a leap year day, steeped in dark forebodings. This peculiar child, who conquered an evil force at birth, had eyes of crimson capable of perceiving the energy of shadows. Tasked with a mission to the secluded mountains of Shanxi, plagued by supernatural creatures, Cheon-Yu begins to unravel whispers of a sinister tale. It is the story of maidens sacrificed as brides to the river god known as Habaek. Just as Dan-U faces the threat of being offered up as a sacrifice, Cheon-Yu appears, inexplicably drawn to her presence, as though recognizing something familiar, and extends his hand…

Cheon-Yu pressed his lips to hers with an unrelenting intensity, only breaking away slowly. The feel of her wet body, accentuating each curve, sent a taut sensation through him. He nibbled softly at her delicate nose and whispered, “Go ahead, laugh again. This time, you’ll need to hold your breath for quite a while.”

As he withdrew, Dan-U’s eyes, deep and defiant, met his—fearless, unwavering. What kind of life had you lived to look at me with eyes like those? The pounding of his heart roared in his ears. Stifling the surge of heat, Cheon-Yu encircled her slender waist and lowered his lips to her pale neck, moving slowly, deliberately.

“It seems we won’t be leaving until the clothes have dried,” he said, a steady smile curving his lips.

“Perfect.”