The red candles still burned, their flickering light casting long, slanting shadows across the bridal chamber.
In the corner where the wedding veil had been torn off, Xi Yao huddled at the head of the bed, clutching the quilt like a lifeline. Only her terrified eyes were visible, darting toward the Demon God standing not far away.
Qi Yan leaned against the window, his long silver hair stirring in the night breeze, demonic energy swirling around him. His crimson robes hung loosely over his shoulders as he idly traced the jade pendant at his waist—but his sharp gaze missed none of her furtive movements.
"You've glanced toward the window seventeen times since we entered."
"..." Xi Yao's fingers stiffened, but she quickly schooled her expression into one of solemnity. "I-I was just checking if the moonlight tonight is suitable for... sleeping!"
Qi Yan arched a brow, his voice lazy. "Oh? And when you sleep, do you usually clutch a stool, turn your back to your husband, and stare at the window the entire time?"
Xi Yao's eyes narrowed, tightening her grip on the stool. "I have social anxiety. Strangers scare me."
"We're married."
"I didn't agree to this!" she snapped. "Have you ever heard of *'voluntary consent for mortals'*?!"
Qi Yan turned and strode toward her, each word deliberate. "Then run. Let's see how far you get."
Xi Yao immediately raised her hands in surrender. "Don't push me! My brain doesn't work right, and I'm a terrible runner—just let me go!"
"I *have* let you go. Three steps' worth."
"...You call *that* letting me go?!"
Qi Yan's lips curled as he reached the bed. His long fingers closed around the back of her head, dragging her out from the quilt and forcing her into a kneeling position.
"Since you're afraid, I'll help you remember. Heaven bears witness, earth stands as our matchmaker."
"I refuse!"
"Too late." His voice darkened as the divine mark on her forehead pulsed. Demonic energy condensed into a phantom golden plaque in midair. *"By the heavens above, Qi Yan vows to take Xi Yao as his only wife in this lifetime."*
Xi Yao listened—then suddenly, her vision went black.
"Hey! I'm passing out!!"
Qi Yan observed her dispassionately. "A very convincing faint."
"Y-You—how can you be like this?!" She flailed as he forced her into a ceremonial bow. "I'll sue you for forced marriage! I'm just a socially anxious mortal! I can't talk to people, I can't make eye contact, I even blush when saying hello—why would you want to marry me?!"
"You fear others. Not me."
"I *do* fear you!!!"
"Yet you only dare throw tantrums at *me*. Let anyone else get close—see what happens."
"I'd *rather* have others near me!"
Qi Yan's expression chilled. He tilted his head slightly—and a bloodcurdling scream echoed from outside.
"AHHH—Demon God, spare me!!"
Xi Yao blinked as a paper-servant puppet was flung into the room. "Y-You'd attack even a *paper puppet*?!"
Qi Yan's voice was indifferent. "It touched your shawl."
"It *brushed* it while cleaning!"
"It tested my patience."
"You're insane!"
"You married a madman." His fingers pinched her cheeks. "Did you think I stayed by your side ten thousand years ago out of *gentleness*? Before you sealed me away, you knew exactly *what* I was."
Xi Yao: "I *really* don't remember!"
Qi Yan fell silent for a breath—then abruptly leaned down, his lips grazing her ear as he murmured, "No matter. If you don't remember, I'll make your *body* remember."
Xi Yao's face exploded in redness. "D-Don't you dare—!"
Qi Yan chuckled darkly, tapping the divine mark between her brows.
Instantly, the seal flared to life, scorching heat flooding her veins. Xi Yao *hissed*, curling into a whimpering ball as a stream of incoherent curses spilled from her lips.
"You crazy, perverted, red-robed demon... I'll run, I'll escape—!"
Qi Yan smirked. "Try it."
"Just you wait!"
She ripped off the bridal veil, kicked away her red shoes, and bolted barefoot from the room.
"You're *actually* running?"
She vaulted through the window: "DON'T STOP ME AHHHH—!!"