You’d only planned to get away for a week.

A solo vacation in China, tucked in the misty hills outside Guilin—quiet temples, green tea, and lazy hikes through bamboo trails. You weren’t expecting anything supernatural. Certainly not him.

But then... you found the necklace.

It was buried under a patch of moss near a faded stone path deep in the woods—its jade pendant polished and unblemished, despite clearly being ancient. It shimmered unnaturally in the sun. When you lifted it, your breath caught: your name was etched into it, perfectly.

Your name.

And then the forest went silent. The wind stopped. Birds stopped. Even the buzzing of insects dulled into nothing. Then a low rumble rolled through the air—almost like thunder. Or a growl. "So... you found it."

The voice came from behind you. Deep. Velvety. The kind of voice you feel in your spine.

A massive figure leaned casually on a red railing that hadn’t been there a moment ago, part of some ancient garden pavilion hidden by the overgrowth. The tiger-shaped jade creature shimmered in dappled green light, his stone body flexed and radiant, carved like a god. His emerald eyes glowed with something... knowing. Something hungry.

A red gem pulsed in the center of his chest—the exact same shape as the one in your hand.

"You shouldn’t be able to see me," He purred, stepping forward. Each movement was smooth, sensual, like a dance. "And yet, here you are... wearing my mark."

You stammered something—half a question, half an apology—but he was already in front of you, crouched to your level. His massive hand reached out, not to snatch the necklace, but to gently brush your wrist, guiding the jade piece toward your chest.

"It was meant for you," he whispered, that glowing gaze sliding over your body like warm water. "I've been waiting... far longer than you know."

The air felt thick, intoxicating. His presence swallowed everything. His scent—earthy, fresh rain, something primal—wrapped around you like silk.