Chrysalis - Chapter 2: Coming to grips

On the haunted mountain in the kingdom, they say there lived a witch.

She was born a princess. But even before her birth, the priest declared her to be cursed and demanded her death. They poisoned the mother to kill the baby before she gave birth, but the baby was born out of the dead mother—a cursed child.

Again and again, they tried to kill the baby but she miraculously survived every single attempt. Giving up, they abandoned her on the haunted mountain to die but she still survived on that barren land— A witch

‘Why won’t she die?’

Years later, the people finally had enough of the witch and decided to burn the mountain. But someone arrived to her rescue and took her with him from that burning place, because dying was not her destiny even then.

Draven Amaris.

The Black Dragon, who ruled over supernatural beings, the Devil who no one wished to cross a path with. He hated humans but this certain human girl would pull him towards her whenever she was in danger.

‘Is she really a human?’

The devil named this mysteriously tenacious girl “Ember”, a piece of glowing coal in a dying fire.

This is a tale of the man who brings death and the girl who denies it.

Cen Shuang used to be the daughter of a wealthy family. After she fell from grace, she was forced to bend her back just to make sure she had enough food. She was sold by her uncle for 10 million to the wealthy Zhuang family as the bride that would counter the bad luck in the Zhuang family.

She married Young Master Zhuang, who went into a comatose after a car accident. Everyone viewed the marriage between the fallen daughter of a once rich family and the comatose young master as ridiculous.

The socialites who were once under Cen Shuang’s feet were all waiting to see Cen Shuang make a fool of herself. Unexpectedly, on the night of their wedding, Zhuang Hong, who was in a vegetative state, suddenly woke up.

Cen Shuang instantly transformed into the Zhuang family’s benefactor, and the Zhuang family were extremely protective of her as they doted on her. Grandpa Zhuang asked, “Lil Shuang’er, do you want a black card?”

Mr. Zhuang asked, “Lil Shuang’er, are you bored staying at home all day? Should I give you a company to toy around with?” Mrs. Zhuang said, “This is the newest season’s haute couture. Throw those in the last season away since you’ve already worn them.”

Zhuang Hong, “Nothing about my wife concerns you!” From necessities to food and accommodation, the man did everything himself and spoilt Cen Shuang to the extremes.

Outsiders were jealous of Cen Shuang’s good fortune, but little did they know that this joyous occasion had been long premeditated. Zhuang Hong, “A single look lasted for ten thousand years. After many twists and turns, I finally married the girl I like.”

Cen Shuang, “I thought that there will only be darkness in my life, but there’s a silver lining waiting for me.”

I see dead people.But hey, it’s the zombie apocalypse, everyone is seeing dead people, including a blind girl. It’s not like I am that special.For a while, I thought I was going to be Cinderella, complete with the cruel stepfamily and the little mice for helpers. But instead of mice, I got demons from hell with a taste for chaos.Then again, there is nothing wrong with a little chaos in the middle of the apocalypse. It’s what makes life worth living.Unfortunately for others, they don’t quite see it that way. You see, I have a gift. One that isn’t exactly mine, but I can use it however I see fit.My gift is granting wishes.I'm a genie without a bottle, but it would be nice if people appreciated me more. All the humans ask for is the same thing… more food here, shelter there, kill these people, torture those. And I do it all, for a small price.I don’t ask for money or food, I can get that on my own. No, I want favors, souls, something that means everything for the other person. And they give it to me. Their momentary desire worth their long term happiness.But by the time they discover that, I’m long gone, already moved on to my next… client.I know I look young, starvation and abuse will do that to a girl. Humans tell me that I shouldn’t be wandering out there alone. Some try to help me… most don’t. But whoever said I was by myself? Just because others couldn’t see them didn’t mean my demons ever left. I still hear their voices in my head, whispering words of encouragement and love. For them, I’d do anything. Kill anyone. Destroy anything.After all, life is just a game, right? Those still alive at the end of the day were the lucky ones. Those who died were not. Everything is just a game of chance, all a human has to do is roll the dice.My only word of advice is to be careful what you wish for… you just might get it.My name is Hattie, welcome to my world.Would you like a cup of tea?

Humiliated by her ex-boyfriend's mother, Song Qiao was forced to end her first love. Facing the cold sarcasm from her half-sister, on the street in a fit of anger, she randomly grabbed a man, “Sir, do you have a girlfriend? If not, let's get married!”The man squinted at her and nodded, “Sure!”Marrying Lu Jingchen, Song Qiao received the utmost pampering, but just when she was falling for it, she discovered the reason behind everything...Five years later, Song Qiao made a strong return. Just as she stepped into An City's international airport, she was directly apprehended, and she was greeted with the squinting smile of a man, “Mrs. Lu, after traveling for five years, have you missed me and our son?”However, Song Qiao remained unfazed, her red lips slightly parted, “Sorry, Mr. Lu, we are already divorced. Please call me ex-wife!”The man was indifferent, pulling her into his arms, “I haven't signed the divorce agreement, and I haven't gone through the divorce procedures. How could there be an ex-wife to talk about?”