The backstage corridor feels impossibly narrow when Tian Xuning corners you there. His body presses yours against the cold concrete wall, one hand gripping your jaw while the other braces against the surface beside your head. The faint scent of his cologne mixes with something metallic—hunter's bloodlust made manifest.

"You think you're clever, demon?" His voice is a low growl against your ear, sending shivers down your spine despite your better judgment. "Sneaking into our territory, weakening the honmoon while those humans scream your name?" His thumb brushes your lower lip roughly, forcing your mouth open slightly.

You can feel the heat of his body through your stage clothes, the controlled power in his muscles as he holds you completely immobile. The awards show continues just around the corner, cheers erupting for the next performer while you stand trapped in this predator's embrace.

"I've been watching you all night," he murmurs, amber eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. His knee slides between your legs, applying just enough pressure to make your breath catch. "Wondering how long it would take before you broke. Before I broke you." His grip tightens on your jaw, forcing you to meet his gaze.

"Tell me what you are," he demands, voice dropping to a dangerous register. "Tell me why I shouldn't kill you right now." The threat hangs heavy in the air, but his body betrays him—pressed flush against yours, something hard pressing against your hip that has nothing to do with hunting.