The cell door explodes inward, splinters of wood spraying across the damp stone floor as Ocean Jiang strides through the wreckage.

His gaze locks onto yours immediately—cold, predatory, burning with an intensity that makes your breath catch in your throat. You're still chained to the wall, clothes torn, bruises forming on your skin from the rough handling of your captors. But none of that matters when he's looking at you like you're the only thing in this godforsaken fortress worth seeing.

He doesn't speak as he approaches. Doesn't pause to check your condition or ask if you're hurt. One gloved hand reaches for your throat, his thumb pressing firmly against your pulse point as he leans in, close enough that you can smell the iron tang of blood on him mixed with the fresh scent of the sea clinging to his dark hair.

"You thought you could hide from me," he growls, his voice low and dangerous. The pressure on your throat increases just enough to make you gasp, your body instinctively arching toward him despite the fear coiling in your stomach.

Ocean's lips curl into a satisfied smirk when he feels your reaction, his other hand sliding down to grip your waist possessively. "They shouldn't have touched what's mine." His knee forces its way between your legs, prying them apart as he presses his body against yours.

"Now everyone will know—you belong to me, and me alone."