Fight, Flight, or Freeze: The Healer's Story - Chapter 1: Waking Up In A Strange Place

“Here you go, this is your wage for the week.”After passing over a small pouch, the woman with her legs crossed behind the desk casually made a 'Check' in a notebook and then, without looking up, waved her hand to dismiss him and said:“Remember to file your taxes... Next!”“Wait a minute!”After pouring out the coins from the pouch and looking at the eight large and one small, totaling nine filthy coins in his palm, Leon couldn't help but widen his eyes in shock, almost wanting to pounce on her and fight to the death right there and then.“Damn it! I just repelled the evil god who was trying to erode the world this Tuesday! You bastard even wants to deduct the salary of the savior?”

“Your Highness, there’s something I’d really like for my birthday.”

“What is it?”

“Will you promise to listen?”

Then the man blatantly laughed.

But who would point out his arrogance – a young Northern Duke who’s not even afraid of the Emperor? He could even get a throne if he wished for it.

But it was just a sweet lover’s birthday wish.

“Alright. I swear.”

So, Juliet spoke lightly,

“Please break up with me. I don’t love you anymore.”

A fiance just for show. A succession of meaningless nights.

Now is the time to end seven years of unrequited love.

Claire Reed thought she married the man of her dreams, Evander Kensington, but she had no idea that their marriage was built on a lie; a family vow that trapped him by her side.His heart, however, belonged to another woman, his white lotus.No matter how hard Claire tried to win Evander’s love, he only grew colder, and his family treated her like she didn’t exist.When she lost their unborn child, Claire’s world shattered. She wanted to see Evander, but he didn't bother to check on her. Instead, he went to meet that white lotus.Unable to bear the betrayal, she decided to free Evander from this marriage, leaving behind a letter and divorce papers, claiming she now had someone else she loved!~~~~“You’re mine, and I’ll never let you go!” he declared, his voice dark with possessiveness.“But I don’t want you anymore! You can have Susan—I’m now in love with someone else!” Claire shot back, her words sharp and final.“You can't be with anyone. Do you even know how sleepless nights I've without you?” Evander's hold on her tightened. “I'll see how you become some else when I'll claim you,” he pronounced before crashing his lips on her.

Ade has lived in an incense burner for over a thousand years, her days spent sleeping. Longing for the outside world she hears about from her fairy friends, her wish is finally granted when a man brings her home, releasing her from the seal. Ade, tears streaming, vows to repay her savior to the fullest extent.Qin Yu, known as the cold and ruthless Third Master Qin of Kyoto, finds his life upended when strange occurrences plague his bedroom after he places an antique incense burner given to him as a New Year's gift there. Chaos ensues, with items displaced and unexplained puddles of water; he even senses something in his bed while half-asleep.One afternoon, Qin Yu comes home early to find a young girl cleaning up spilled milk. The girl, her black hair cascading, her skin porcelain, is startled by his return and tries to flee. Upon being caught and questioned by Qin Yu, she timidly speaks of repaying her debt.To Qin Yu's amusement, she lists her belongings: pearls, antiques, even her savings. None of these interest Qin Yu, who instead sweeps her into his arms and suggests a more personal way of repaying the debt. Terrified, the girl's beautiful fish tail is revealed.