I was almost too stunned to speak.
For a moment, the man who stood before me looked at me with something close to curiosity. But just as quickly, that expression shifted from neutral to flat-out disgust.
Disgust?
This wasn't what I completely imagined when I watched those romantic K-dramas. Wasn't the kind, handsome, charming male lead supposed to gently help the damsel in distress to her feet? Maybe offer his coat? At least ask if she was injured.
Clearly, this guy was not that type.
"You filthy creature," he said, his voice dropping into something unkind and cold. "Where did you come from? And why are you here? Are you another spy sent by the neighboring kingdom?"
Spy?
Because if so," he continued, pressing the blade slightly closer to my throat, "you are about to wish that you were never born."
His words sent an uninvited chill straight through my body. My heart hammered violently in my chest as I stared at the sharp edge hovering inches from my skin.
Before I could even properly respond, he grabbed my wrists.
Rough rope dug into my skin as he tied my hands tightly together. His strength was inhuman. I barely had time to protest before he pulled me forward and began dragging me through the misty forest.
"Wait! I didn't do anything!" I tried to argue, stumbling as my shoes caught on uneven roots.
The forest was thick with fog. Tall, unfamiliar trees towered above us, their branches blocking out most of the light. Strange sounds echoed from deeper within — rustling leaves, distant growls, something snapping in the underbrush.
This was not Earth.
This was not safe.
And the way he held my wrists so tightly made it very clear he didn't care whether I was comfortable or even alive.
Who the hell treats someone like this? I didn't do anything wrong to this man. I literally just got hit by a truck.
The moment he properly took in my features, his icy tone became even colder.
What an arrogant block of ice.
"Hey, human."
I froze mid-step.
"You do realize," he said calmly, not even turning around, "that I can read minds, right?"
…
I stopped breathing.
The forest suddenly felt ten times quieter.
"And to answer your question," he continued, tightening his grip slightly, "you are a threat to me and my people. You appeared out of nowhere. You carry no scent of this land. You lack knowledge of our kingdoms. That alone makes you suspicious."
So that's why he was acting like this.
Well, he could have at least said that first instead of calling me a filthy creature.
"I will gladly explain the history of this place later," he added flatly. "But for now, you will remain in the dungeon until I decide what to do with you."
Dungeon?
Excuse me?
This stranger is so unbelievably cold. All he's shown me so far is his rotten personality. The least he could have done was give me a spare room. Even a barn would've been better than this.
But no.
He dragged me down a stone path that led toward what looked like a massive castle hidden within the fog. Tall black gates creaked open as guards bowed slightly when they saw him.
So he's important.
Great. I got isekai'd, and the first guy I met is royalty with anger issues.
We entered through heavy doors and walked down a dim corridor lit by flickering torches. The deeper we went, the colder it became.
Then I heard it.
Metal bars.
Chains.
The unmistakable echo of dripping water.
He stopped in front of a cell and unlocked it without hesitation.
The door screeched open.
He shoved me inside.
The stone floor was freezing beneath my knees when I stumbled forward. The cell was small — no bed, no blanket, no window. Just cold walls and darkness.
Nothing to sleep on.
Nothing to eat.
Not even a proper place to—
What is he expecting me to do? Stay here the whole night like this? He must be crazy.
The metal door slammed shut behind me with a loud clang that echoed through the dungeon hallway.
I scrambled to my feet and rushed toward the bars.
"You can't just throw me in here!" I shouted.
He stood on the other side, completely composed.
"If you are innocent," he said calmly, "you will live."
If.
And honestly, if it wasn't for his stupidly good looks, I wouldn't have been so distracted earlier.
Sharp jawline.
Cold silver eyes.
Tall.
Broad shoulders.
Annoyingly attractive.
…
Wait.
He can read minds.
His eyebrow twitched.
Oh no.
I felt heat rush to my face.
"I suggest," he said slowly, a faint smirk threatening to form at the corner of his lips, "that you be careful with your thoughts."
I am totally cooked.
Without another word, he turned and began walking away, his boots echoing against the stone floor.
But just before he disappeared around the corner, he paused.
Only for a second.
His head tilted slightly, almost as if he were listening.
Then he continued walking.
And I was left alone in the dungeon.
With a mind-reading, arrogant, dangerously handsome man who thought I was a spy.
Happy Valentine's Day to me, I guess. God, please help me!!!!.