Raven of the Inner Palace

Hidden away in the deepest reaches of the imperial palace dwells an enigmatic figure known only as the Raven Consort. Whispers about her true nature circulate endlessly among the courtiers; some insist she is a withered old crone, while others swear she is a maiden of breathtaking youth and beauty. Despite the conflicting rumors, one truth remains undisputed: she commands formidable dark arts. For the right price, she can banish restless spirits, cast lethal curses, or uncover that which has vanished beyond ordinary reach. When the young Emperor Koushou finds himself in need of such extraordinary power, he ventures into the secluded depths of the inner palace to seek her aid. His decision to rely on her forbidden magic sets into motion a chain of events far greater than either could have anticipated. What begins as a desperate request soon spirals into a profound upheaval, threatening to overturn not only the delicate balance of the royal court but potentially the fate of the entire nation.