A Love Written In The Stars

The beast within me awakened—hungry, relentless.

———

Mei straightened her messenger robes and gripped her clipboard, ready to enter the administrative office disguised as an imperial errand-runner, it was a part of the palace a few were permitted access.

In her rush, she accidentally turned down an unfamiliar hallway lined with identical, orderly doors.

She wandered through the halls, her steps aimless and uncertain. Every turn seemed to lead her back to where she started or into another unfamiliar corridor. Frustrated, she muttered curses under her breath at her poor sense of direction. She had only been to the main palace a few times for ceremonies and had never needed to navigate its depths before.

Today, she was playing the role of a royal messenger, her mission to deliver some documents to the administrative office, but at every junction, she found herself more lost than before.

Where was the administrative office supposed to be?

Mei's pov:

It didn't take long for me to admit I was hopelessly lost. I stopped in my tracks, studying the hall in an attempt to memorize its layout and avoid circling back again. As I stood there, two guards strode past, their sharp eyes narrowing on me. Forcing a polite nod, I gave a false smile, striving to appear composed enough to deter suspicion.

Not long after, I came across a plain door slightly ajar, standing in stark contrast to the other tightly shut doors along the polished corridors. It seemed strangely out of place, devoid of the grandeur that defined the rest of the palace. Against my better judgment, I found myself stepping closer, as though some unseen force was quietly urging me forward.

Through the narrow gap, I glimpsed a dimly lit room, the glow of candlelight casting long, shifting shadows across its walls. What purpose could this chamber serve? I hesitated at the threshold, my fingers hovering over the door, itching to push it open and explore further.

But before I could act, a muffled crash reverberated down the corridor behind me. I spun around, my heart leaping, just in time to see dark robes vanishing around a distant corner. My pulse quickened. Who would be rushing through the palace halls at this hour?

Without hesitation, I took off after the figure, my boots brushing against the marble floor with every step. The sound seemed deafening in the silence, but I couldn't stop. Curiosity propelled me forward, I had to know who they were and what they were doing.

I stayed in the dark along the walls, trying not to be noticed. Up ahead, I heard a shaky gasp, then the sound of a stumbling step dragging on the floor. Were they as lost as me? Were they drunk or injured? I couldn't quite understand but I hurried forward, not wanting them to disappear.

The further I went, the more the figure disappeared into the darkness, until I was alone again... alone and lost in the unknown parts of the palace. Perfect. Just perfect.

I stumbled on, trying to retrace my steps, until I noticed a partially open door. Carefully, I slipped inside—and the sight froze me in place. The room was more luxurious than anything I'd ever seen.

Black curtains lined the walls, their embroidered patterns catching faint light in the dim room. The furniture was smooth and detailed, carved with designs that seemed to absorb the light around them. Lanterns gave off a faint glow, and the scent of sandalwood mixed with something sharp filled the air. It was a room that felt both powerful and unwelcoming, like stepping into the lair of something untouchable. And here I was, an intruder in a space I didn't belong.

Mei's gaze darted around the room until it landed on a lone figure seated in stillness, eyes closed.

As the dim light adjusted in her vision, her breath caught in her throat.

Cheng.

How had she ended up in his chamber? How far had she wandered without even realizing?

Cheng sat cross-legged on the bed, his eyes shut in a meditative state. His long hair spilled freely down his back, undisturbed as he channeled his Qi, deep in cultivation. His face was calm, almost unearthly, untouched by the worries of the world, and the sight left her rooted in place, unable to tear her eyes away.

Silently, Mei took in the sight of him—the rise and fall of Cheng's chest, the subtle movement of his throat. He seemed completely at peace.

As if sensing her gaze, he slowly opened his eyes.

Cheng's pov:

I couldn't believe my eyes—Mei, here, at my private bedchamber. I struggled to comprehend what was happening. Had she come here by accident? Was she really lost, or was there another reason? The palace halls were tricky to navigate, but Mei was no fool, she had to know where she was. Yet, the surprise in her eyes, mirroring my own, made me pause.

I remained in place, my heart thudding in my chest, unable to move or say a word. She didn't move either, but the tension was clear in her stiff posture. Dressed in the simple robes of a palace messenger, she tried to appear calm, but the effort showed.

She looked at me, her eyes wide and uncertain. I wanted to speak, to say anything that might break the silence, but I held back. I knew I had to be careful. If I moved too quickly or spoke too suddenly, she would flee, just like she always had before.

After a while, she seemed to wake from her thoughts. I saw the realization in her eyes—she understood where she was. This was my space, my sanctuary, and she was intruding. She turned, ready to leave as suddenly as she had arrived. But not this time. I couldn't let her walk away again.

Without thinking, I stood abruptly, the sudden motion filling the room with a soft rustle of fabric. Fate had brought her to me again, and I wasn't going to let this moment slip away. This time, I would take the chance I'd been given.

Cheng's long strides carried him to her in a heartbeat. With a firm yet gentle grip, he caught her wrist and spun her around, pinning her against the door.

Mei flinched, her breath hitching as her throat went dry at the sudden proximity. Cheng's gaze locked onto hers, radiating an intensity she had never encountered before.

Helpless under his thrall, she could only stare up at Cheng's face hovering so close, a war of emotions raging within and his scent only made it harder to think clearly.