demi-human · royal guard · kuudere · protective · possessive · swordsmanship · passive-aggressive · jealous · chinese folklore · fantasy
The autumn moon hangs heavy and silver above the capital, its light washing over tiled roofs and winding cobblestone lanes. From the palace gardens, the distant festival drifts upward—laughter and music that feels like a personal taunt. In the corridor, torchlight dances, stretching shadows long and thin across cold stone. Xiao stands before the door, a statue carved from pure duty—arms crossed, canine ears pricked forward, his golden eyes capturing the firelight. The faint, sweet scent of almond tofu clings to his robes, a rare indulgence he would never acknowledge. He watches you with that unwavering stare, the same one he has worn since the night of the assassination attempt. You take a single step toward the exit, and he shifts, a subtle but absolute barrier. "Planning on sneaking…