“What… the hell is that?”

For the first time up close, Liang Lin saw the tentacles. The very first word flashing through her mind was *octopus*.

“I knew it. You really are a witch.”

Liang Lin wiped the drool from the corner of her mouth, patted her waist—no longsword. No matter. Keep calm. *Her* sleeve still hid a dagger.

Eyes locked on Liang Di, Liang Lin subtly slipped one hand into her sleeve.

“Planning to pull out that dagger?”

*Clatter~*

A tentacle flicked the blade onto the floor.

Liang Lin flinched. She looked down—the dagger was gone from her sleeve. There it lay, gleaming.

*Just how many octopus-like tentacles does she have?*

She dared not look away. One blink, and those tentacles might pierce her body.

“I’ll give you two choices, Liang Lin.”

“First: become my obedient dog. Second: since I’ve shown you my secret… if you refuse to be my dog, then to keep it hidden…” Liang Di tilted her head and traced a finger across her own neck.

Liang Lin let out a cold laugh. Resolve hardened her expression. In one sharp motion, she lunged sideways.

“I don’t need *you*—I’ll end it myself!”

Third floor. A fall might not kill her, but bones would break. She’d die with dignity, not live shamefully. Jaw set, she shoved the window open and swung one leg out.

“Sorry, older sister~ I didn’t give you permission to die.”

A tentacle shot out like lightning, coiled around Liang Lin’s slender waist, and yanked her back. She collapsed on the floor, tentacles now wrapped tightly around her waist and throat.

Liang Di’s tentacles resembled an octopus’s—covered in suckers, designed to grip and hold. Hers worked the same way.

“Cough… you… damn…"

Face flushed, breath ragged, Liang Lin still spat curses through clenched teeth.

“Older sister Liang Lin~ I *love* that defiant spirit of yours. It makes me want to conquer you~” Liang Di rose slowly. Under Liang Lin’s stunned gaze, she stepped closer, pinched her chin between thumb and forefinger, forcing eye contact. “Did you know? My tentacles secrete two venoms. One brings a slow death. The other… twists the body into something… strange. Which would you prefer, sister?”

Choked silent, Liang Lin could only mouth the words: *Bas…tard… kill… me…*

“Hehe~” Liang Di tapped Liang Lin’s crimson lips with a finger, tongue peeking out playfully. “Oops~ Wrong guess. This venom won’t kill you… but it *will* make you feel… strange~”

The tentacle around her neck loosened slightly. Liang Lin gasped in air—but then heat bloomed deep inside, spreading outward. Her thighs twitched uncontrollably.

“You… you…!” Her face burned crimson.

“Liang Di! Just kill me! Why won’t you?!” Her furious shout came out breathy, edged with unintended sweetness.

Another tentacle slid down, pressing flush against her. Liang Lin shuddered. Warmth flooded her. Mouth open, she panted heavily.

“Because… you wanted to kill me, so I must kill you?” Liang Di shook her head. “No, no. I prefer watching you like this. So… cute.”

*Freak.*

*She’s a total freak!*

“Hahaha~ Look, older sister~” Liang Di forced Liang Lin’s chin toward the floor-length mirror, whispering hotly against her ear. “See? Where’s that villainess dignity now? *Villainess?* Hehe… So pitiful. So adorable~”

Tentacles kept rubbing. Liang Lin’s mind went blank. Tears gathered at the corners of her eyes. Chest heaving, she still muttered broken curses.

*Knock, knock, knock~*

A man’s voice came from outside.

“Miss, the investigation is complete. We require your presence to deliver the full report.”

Instantly, every tentacle retracted—vanished without a trace. Liang Lin crumpled to the floor, body trembling, breath hitching.

“What if I open the door now?” Liang Di crouched beside her. “Let them see you like this… What would they think? What would *spread*?” She smiled faintly. “You don’t care about being called a villainess—you *are* one. But… do you care about being labeled a loose woman? You know how tragic a noble lady’s fate becomes with *that* title.”

“Still uncomfortable? The venom hasn’t fully left your system~ Only *I* can stop this… ridiculous state.”

She was right. Liang Lin’s body ached with absence. Heat surged. Her hands moved on their own, seeking relief.

“Oh?” Liang Di’s eyes lit up.

*Knock.*

“Miss?”

“Oh~ They’re urging me. Should I just… open the door?” Liang Di settled into her wheelchair and began rolling toward it. “Once they enter, I’ll say I’ve no idea why you collapsed like this. Let them stare. Then I’ll ‘help’ search you… and ‘find’ that vial of poison. Your reputation? Ruined. Your freedom? Gone. You’ll be infamous. Spend the rest of your life in Imperial Prison—trapped between living and dying.”

Tears streamed down Liang Lin’s beautiful face.

“No… please… don’t…”

Death with honor would’ve been kinder. But this? Tarnished name, helpless imprisonment… noble “visitors” sneering behind bars while she stayed silent, unmoving.

“Here’s a way out, older sister~” Liang Di’s voice softened, almost sweet. “No grand demands this time. Just… *woof*. Or beg me.”