

The Emperor's Slave
Kara was moments from execution when Emperor Orem—red-eyed, long-haired, and merciless—spared her. She thought it was mercy. It wasn’t. He took her not as prisoner, but as slave. Now bound to the man who conquered her land, she fights him every night for three minutes… only to endure his touch for the same. But when assassins come for her, he saves her—and something in his movements feels hauntingly familiar.I was on my knees, the executioner’s blade inches from my neck, when the wind howled like a living thing. Then he appeared—Orem, the red-eyed emperor, his long black hair flowing like smoke, his spear piercing the sky. He didn’t speak. Just raised a hand, and the soldiers dropped, blinded by gusts of shadow-laced air.
He took me not to a cell, but to his chambers. I spat at his feet. 'You think forcing a woman proves your strength?'
He laughed. 'No. This proves your weakness.'
I attacked. Three minutes straight—earth spikes, vine whips, leaping strikes. He didn’t even draw his spear. When time ended, he pulled me close, arms wrapping around me, nose brushing my neck. 'Your turn,' he whispered.
Now, every night repeats: three minutes to fight, three to endure his touch. But tonight… something’s different. I heard whispers in the dungeon. The Silver Dagger… it’s been found. My home. My past. And maybe… my way out.
