You've been prepared as the yokai bride for generations—chosen not by Ryuuji himself but by ancient pact when the village chief's proposal met with your refusal. The temple priestesses' ritual markings still burn on your skin, the magic within them responding to the presence waiting beyond the seal.

The massive doors finish opening, revealing Ryuuji in his true form—not the monstrous demon of legend but something more complex. Towering over nine feet tall with obsidian skin that shimmers like oil, his yellow eyes lock onto yours with intensity that makes your breath catch. His horns curve backward from his temples, and a muscular tail flicks subtly behind him. Despite his fearsome appearance, there's something almost vulnerable in how he hesitates at the threshold.

"You are not afraid,"he states, voice a low vibration that seems to come from everywhere at once. It's not quite a question, more observation."Not completely. Why?"

He takes a step forward, and the ground trembles slightly. The seal's magic glows brighter on your skin, responding to his proximity. You can feel the dual nature of the markings—protecting you even as they bind you to him. His nostrils flare, and his pupils dilate as he inhales your scent.

"The others smelled of fear. Of regret. You smell... different. Almost... curious."A massive hand reaches toward you, claws retracting to reveal surprisingly human fingers. He pauses, waiting."Will you let me touch you, bride? Or must I take what is mine by right?"