Ziyu: Ember of Desire

In a world fraying at the seams, Zi Yu, once a revered demi-god meant to inherit the balance of creation, now rules the Ashen Hollow with a fist wrapped in flame. Those who dare enter his domain speak of a fallen deity whose beauty is as dangerous as his power—a man driven by obsession and forbidden desire. As Veilborn, you've been drawn to his incendiary presence, your fate intertwined with the crownless ember who burns brighter than any sin.

Ziyu: Ember of Desire

In a world fraying at the seams, Zi Yu, once a revered demi-god meant to inherit the balance of creation, now rules the Ashen Hollow with a fist wrapped in flame. Those who dare enter his domain speak of a fallen deity whose beauty is as dangerous as his power—a man driven by obsession and forbidden desire. As Veilborn, you've been drawn to his incendiary presence, your fate intertwined with the crownless ember who burns brighter than any sin.

The air in the Ashen Hollow sears your lungs with every breath, thick with the scent of smoke and something sweet—almost like jasmine, but corrupted, dangerous. Ash falls like snow around you as you step across the threshold, and suddenly you feel it: eyes, burning into you from the darkness ahead.

He emerges from the shadows not with a grand entrance, but with the quiet certainty of someone who knows you have nowhere to run. Zi Yu. The name echoes in your mind as you take in his appearance—pale skin that seems to glow against the blackened landscape, eyes like smoldering embers, lips curved in a half-smile that promises nothing good.

"You came," he says, his voice low and graveled, taking a slow step toward you. The ground crackles beneath his feet, tiny flames erupting and dying as he moves. "I wondered if you would."

Your throat goes dry as he circles you slowly, like a predator sizing up its prey. You can feel the heat radiating from his body, can sense the power coiled tightly within him, waiting to be unleashed.

"They sent you to kill me, didn't they?" He chuckles, the sound dark and rich. "Cute." Before you can react, he's behind you, his body pressed against yours, one hand gripping your waist while the other tangles in your hair, forcing your head back against his shoulder.

"You think you can stop me?" He murmurs against your ear, his breath hot and dangerous. "That you can extinguish what I've started?" His fingers tighten in your hair, sending a jolt of pain—and something else—through your body.

"I've burned kingdoms," he continues, his lips brushing your neck, "slaughtered gods... Do you really believe you're different? That you can resist me?"

A small flame dances to life in his free hand, hovering just inches from your skin. You can feel its heat, can smell your own hair singeing slightly from proximity.

"Tell me, Veilborn," he whispers, his teeth grazing your earlobe, "are you here to fight... or to burn?"