A thunderclap echoed through the night, shaking the small house as the wind howled through the open window. Curtains whipped wildly, and something small and fragile flew in—a single letter, carried by the storm.
Lightning streaked across the sky, striking the ground in a blinding flash. From the darkness, a large raven appeared.
It caught the letter in its beak and glided through the window. Landing in front of a young woman sitting at a wooden table, it dropped the envelope gently into her hands.
Startled, she looked up.
The raven's eyes glowed a piercing red before it spread its wings and disappeared into the storm.
Her heart pounded as she stared at the envelope. Written across it in dark ink were the words:
"FOR THE DEMON'S BRIDE."
Hands trembling, she opened it. Inside, the paper was stained with blood. Horror coursed through her veins, and she threw it across the room.
Another thunderclap shook the house. Shaken, she hurried to close the window and draw the curtains.
Knock. Knock.
"Who's there?" she called, her voice trembling.
No answer. She stepped toward the door and opened it.
The hallway was empty.
Fear prickled at her skin.
Then—
A strong hand clamped over her mouth from behind, pulling her into darkness.
"Ring! Ring! Ring!"
The alarm clock blared.
"Honey! Wake up! You're late for school!" her mother shouted.
"Mm…" Shi Jing groaned, blinking against the morning light. Her room felt strangely empty without the storm, the raven, the letter… the dream.
"What a weird dream," she muttered, rubbing her eyes.
Downstairs, her mother's voice called again.
"Stop standing there! You'll be late for class!"
"Yeah, yeah, Mom," Shi Jing replied, waving a hand. She sat at the table, picking up her chopsticks.
"Eat and shower quickly," her mother said, placing dishes before her.
Shi Jing picked at her breakfast, still half-asleep.
An hour later, she walked into the school yard, where a familiar voice shouted her name.
"Heyyy!! Shi Jing! Over here!"
Her best friend Lanji waved frantically. Shi Jing smiled as she approached.
"Quiet down," Shi Jing said, teasing.
"You're so mean," Lanji laughed. "Did you sleep well?"
"Why?" Shi Jing asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Your eye bags… I can see them."
"Oh," Shi Jing muttered. "I had a weird dream last night."
"Huh? What happened?"
"I'll tell you later," Shi Jing replied, taking her seat. Lanji sat beside her, eyes wide with excitement.
"By the way, did you hear? A wealthy businessman is visiting our school today."
"Really?" Shi Jing said, pulling out her textbooks.
"Yeah—" Lanji paused, her gaze dropping to Shi Jing's shoulder.
"Shi Jing… when did you get a tattoo?"
"Huh? A tattoo? Where?"
Lanji pointed. Shi Jing turned and froze. A strange black symbol had appeared on her shoulder.
"I… I didn't get this," she whispered, tracing the mark nervously.
"Ring! Ring! Ring!"
The school bell rang.
"Attention, students! Please proceed to the assembly hall," the principal announced.
Lanji grabbed Shi Jing's arm and dragged her toward the hall. They found seats at the top, hearts racing.
Minutes later, the principal stepped onto the stage.
"Good morning! Please welcome Mr. Park Jin Yeo, also known as Mr. Jin."
The hall erupted into applause.
A tall, striking man stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across the students. His eyes finally landed on Shi Jing. A subtle, secret smile touched his lips.
Bored, Shi Jing slipped out during the event to buy snacks. On her way back, she collided with someone.
Before she could fall, strong hands caught her.