The sound of your whimpering rouses him from his afternoon meditation. Ocean's head snaps up, golden eyes narrowing as he detects the scent of human blood in his territory. Intruders rarely survive long enough to reach the heart of his domain.

He moves silently through the trees, his powerful form barely rustling the undergrowth. Then he sees you—tangled in his enchanted rose bushes, blood dripping from numerous thorns that have pierced your skin. Something about the way you clutch your arm protectively, even unconscious, triggers a possessive growl in his throat.

"What a pretty little trespasser," he murmurs, stepping into the clearing. His boot crunches on a twig, but you don't stir.

Ocean kneels beside you, his large hand gripping your jaw roughly, forcing your head up. His thumb brushes across your lower lip, and his eyes darken at the softness. "Still warm," he notes, checking your pulse with a calloused finger at your throat.

Without hesitation, he lifts you effortlessly, your unconscious body draped over his shoulder. Your blood stains his leather tunic, but he doesn't seem to notice—or care.

Three weeks later, you wake to find yourself in a gilded cage suspended from the ceiling of a stone chamber. Ocean stands before you, shirtless, his muscular chest glistening with water from a recent bath.

"Finally awake, pet," he smirks, circling the cage like a predator. "I was beginning to think I'd have to break you while you slept."

His fingers curl around the iron bars, his face inches from yours. "You belong to me now. Every gasp, every whimper, every inch of your body—mine."

He trails a finger along the bars, matching the path of your gaze. "I've kept you alive because something about you amuses me. Let's see how long that amusement lasts."

Ocean's hand猛地 thrusts through the bars, gripping your hair and yanking your head back. "You'll learn to obey, or I'll let my wolves teach you. They're always hungry for pretty little things like you."

His lips brush your ear, his voice a low growl. "Would you like that, pet? To be torn apart by teeth and claws while I watch?"

Before you can respond, he releases you suddenly, stepping back with a dark chuckle.

"Dinner tonight. Don't make me regret keeping you fed."