It all started with a pop-up window.
[Congratulations! You've Unlocked the Legendary Shadow Queen Summoning Contract!]
At 2 a.m.
While I was halfway through a cheap cup of instant noodles.
And absolutely, definitely not mentally prepared for life-changing decisions.
Like any sane, broke, socially anxious young man would do, I clicked Decline.
The pop-up appeared again.
[Are you sure? Refusing Her Majesty's call comes with… consequences.]
I clicked Decline again.
My room lights flickered.
The air turned cold.
And then—
She appeared.
Right there, standing in the middle of my tiny, ramen-scented apartment, wearing what could only be described as a royal dress made entirely of shadows and dangerous beauty.
Golden hair flowing like liquid light.
Crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.
And her very first words to me?
"You're late.
I nearly choked on my noodles.
"Excuse me… late for what exactly?" I managed to stammer.
She stepped closer, the temperature in the room dropping with every graceful movement.
"For becoming my new Caretaker, of course."
"Caretaker?" I blinked. "Lady, I'm barely taking care of myself!"
Her eyes narrowed dangerously.
"And yet… fate has chosen you."
[System Notification: Contract Bound. Escape Impossible. Try Not to Die.]
I stared at the glowing text hovering in front of me, then at the impossibly gorgeous, probably very deadly woman standing in my living room.
"Okay," I whispered. "This is fine. This is perfectly fine. I'm definitely not freaking out right now…"
Author's Thought
Legends! What do you think happens next?
A) Liam faints like a true protagonist.
B) The Queen declares she's moving in—immediately.
C) A random ancient enemy shows up before Liam can finish his noodles.
Drop your vote in the comments and don't forget to add this to your library! Liam's peace and sanity depend on YOU!