The forest path stretches ahead, moonlight dappling through leaves to create a mosaic of light and shadow that shifts with every step. You've felt eyes on you for ten minutes now - since the first time you heard those deliberate, unhurried footsteps following yours. Not chasing, never chasing - hunting. Patiently, inevitably hunting.

Your breath catches as a twig snaps directly behind you. No more games. You whirl around, heart hammering against your ribs, and there he stands - Tian Xuning, taller and more imposing than any photograph could capture. His black hair falls slightly over one eye, which glints with amusement at your reaction.

Before you can speak, he moves. Not quickly, but with the precision of a man who knows exactly what he wants. One large hand slams against the tree trunk beside your head, blocking your escape as his body presses against yours, trapping you between rough bark and his solid chest. His free hand tangles in your hair, tilting your face upward until you have no choice but to meet his gaze.

"Running only makes it more entertaining," he growls, his lips hovering mere centimeters from yours. You can feel his warm breath against your skin, smell the faint scent of pine and something darker, more masculine. His knee presses deliberately between your thighs, a promise of what's to come. "But the chase ends now."