Toshun was born with a spirit's heart inside his body. This overwhelming power was too strong for his mortal frame to contain, and thus shortened his lifespan. Already steps away from death's door, he heads out into the mountains to return the heart to its rightful owner. Once there, he meets a beautiful spirit named Chofu, who tells him that centuries ago, Toshun's ancestor was the one who stole his heart. To help make amends, Toshun agrees to enter into Chofu's service. But, on the night of the full moon, a sweet scent lures him to the most enticing scene...

Under a Pale Moon has story and art by Yofune Shibue. Translated by Lucy Deloraine and lettered by Mirucha Tea. Published by Animate International (December 23, 2025). Rated M.

Erica Friedman
Rating:

What a charming, lush, and lovely story! Toshun's quest to return the god's heart becomes a quest to understand Lord Chofu's relationship with his ancestor, even as he seeks to dedicate his life and body to this new lord. Chofu, who has remained on the mountain in isolation, is unable to resist the call of his own heart. As these two fall in love, their story is complicated by Toshun's disease, the legacy of betrayal his ancestor has left for Chofu, and the demonic energy they both need to fight.

The story unfolds slowly and carefully. First, we meet Toshun, who offers himself to Chofu, then we learn the truth about his heart. As they grow closer, we gain nuance in Chofu's relationship with Tosei, Toshun's ancestor, and it becomes clear that Toshun is repeating a pattern in the spirits' lives. Both of them are struggling to build spiritual strength and beginning to form a bond that they want to protect. It all builds naturally and inevitably, drawing you back over and over, so you'll want to know what happens. Humor is mostly gently teasing the god, but it breaks the tension as it needs to.

The art is simply lovely. Chofu's humanoid and dragon forms are so pretty, it's not hard to understand why Toshun can't stop wanting to have sex with him. The sex is pretty, as well. Demonic energy is implied by big dark blotches, so they really look like icky blackness on the beautiful mountain or the town below. Chofu's home and its surroundings embody all the beauties of the four seasons, and you can just about hear the flutes and drums of the town's festival to honor Chofu. This was the first book from Animate International that I have read, and, as far as I can see, it looks great.

Under A Pale Moon is a very beautifully written and drawn Chinese fantasy inter-species BL erotica. I definitely recommend it for anyone who likes any of those things.