Night fell like spilled ink, drowning the city in a storm of broken neon lights and filthy rainwater.
My soaked resume flapped helplessly in my hands, every rejection stamp on it felt heavier than the rain pounding against my back. I, Liam Zhang—certified failure at life—stood outside a convenience store, staring at the last crumpled five-dollar bill in my wallet. Even the instant noodles seemed to mock me.
And then…
"Hey… do you want to change your destiny?"
A voice. Low. Alluring. Dangerous.
It echoed from the dark alley beside the store. My instincts screamed "Run, idiot!"—but of course, like every dumb horror movie protagonist, I took a step closer.
A figure emerged from the shadows—long golden hair glowing faintly under the flickering streetlight, a crown-like black tiara resting on her head. Her blood-red eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.
She wore a gothic black dress that clung to her curves like a second skin. In one hand, she held an old, tattered scroll. In the other… a pen dripping black ink—or was that blood?
"Sign this," she purred, stepping closer, the heels of her boots clicking ominously against the wet pavement.
"Sign it, and all your miseries will end."
I laughed nervously. "Lady, is this some kind of viral prank? Because it's not funny—"
"Sign it… or keep rotting in that pathetic excuse of a life."
Her eyes flashed, and before I knew it, my hand moved on its own. I grabbed the pen. My name flowed across the parchment like it had a will of its own.
The moment I finished the last letter, the world went black.
When I opened my eyes again…
I was back in my crappy apartment.
But something was wrong.
The air smelled like lavender and… popcorn?
From the kitchen, I heard cabinets slamming and—was that humming?
I stumbled over, ready to fight off a burglar with my trusty mop, and then I saw her.
In my kitchen. Wearing my oversized T-shirt. Sipping bubble tea.
She turned around, licked her lips, and smiled dangerously.
"Congratulations, human. You just signed a lifetime contract with the Shadow Queen. And starting today…"
She pointed directly at me with a smirk.
"You're officially my caretaker."