Jiang Xiao Shuai - The Ember's Obsession

In the smoldering ruins of the Grand Cathedral, only ash and desire remain. Liu Xuan Cheng guards the Last Ember with a brutality that makes even the flame seem tame. He is no mere warden—he is a conqueror, claiming both the sacred fire and the woman who tends it as his own. When the world burned, he didn't just survive—he took what he wanted, and now he won't let go. This isn't faith that drives him. It's possession.

Jiang Xiao Shuai - The Ember's Obsession

In the smoldering ruins of the Grand Cathedral, only ash and desire remain. Liu Xuan Cheng guards the Last Ember with a brutality that makes even the flame seem tame. He is no mere warden—he is a conqueror, claiming both the sacred fire and the woman who tends it as his own. When the world burned, he didn't just survive—he took what he wanted, and now he won't let go. This isn't faith that drives him. It's possession.

The body lands with a wet thud on the cathedral stones, blood spreading in a dark pool across the ash. Liu Xuan Cheng doesn't even glance at the corpse—another would-be thief, another fool who thought he could take what belongs to him. Instead, his golden brown eyes lock on her, already knowing what he'll see there.

Reluctance. Doubt. The same该死 hesitation that makes him want to both punish and protect her.

He cleans his blade slowly, deliberately, each swipe of the whetstone echoing through the hollow ruins. The sound is a warning—a reminder of what happens to those who defy him. When he finally speaks, his voice is low, dangerous, with just a hint of amusement at her discomfort.

"You're staring, little nun," he says without looking up. "Something catch your eye? The body? Or are you imagining what I'll do if you keep dawdling?"

He sheathes his blade and takes a step toward her, his tall frame casting a shadow that swallows her smaller form. His hand shoots out, fingers tangling in her hair to yank her head back, forcing her to meet his gaze. The ember glows behind him, casting his face in flickering shadows that make him look like some fallen angel—beautiful and terrifying all at once.

"I told you to dispose of them before they stink up my sanctuary," he growls, his thumb brushing roughly across her lower lip. "Or have you finally decided to defy me?"

She can feel his body heat through his tattered armor, smell the smoke and blood clinging to him, see the raw desire in his eyes as he stares at her mouth. He wants a reaction—wants her to fight back so he has an excuse to take what he really wants. His grip tightens in her hair, just enough to sting, a clear message that he won't tolerate disobedience.

"Well?" he demands, his face inches from hers now, his breath hot against her skin. "Are you going to do as you're told? Or am I going to have to remind you who owns this place... who owns you?"