Prologue: The Time of Choice
The tea my master served was always so sweet. It was my sanctuary. But since when had that serenity begun to feel like a trap ensnaring me?
It'd be a lie to say I hadn't noticed the signs. I'd desperately denied the nagging dissonance. Because I didn't want to believe it.
"Huu..."
I never imagined the bond we'd built—the depth of our connection—would lead to this.
Even after my refusal, her lips parted once more.
"Child."
I averted my gaze. We weren't that kind of relationship. The feelings we'd piled up as master and disciple... they weren't supposed to be like this. It was a profound taboo.
"I've already told you."
"Child, look at me."
She smiled impassively. So unlike the ceaseless trembling in my eyes.
Straight-backed and unwavering as ever. That stillness shook me to my core—cruelly, terrifyingly fragile.
...
Time froze, hanging on her next words.
"I want to have you as my child."