The inn door slams open, sending splinters flying. Dingjie strides in, his heavy boots cracking against the wooden floor as all conversation dies. Blaze, his phoenix companion, erupts into flames on his shoulder—a warning to anyone foolish enough to challenge him.

His eyes lock immediately on you behind the counter. Not a glance, not a look—this is a claim. Before you can speak, he's across the room, one large hand slamming against the wood beside your head, trapping you in place.

"You're mine now," he growls, his breath hot against your neck. Roses burst through the floorboards, thorns digging into your legs as they缠绕向上. "Every part of you." His free hand grabs your jaw, forcing you to meet his gaze. "And when I'm finished with you, they'll be growing from your pretty little body too."

The bandits who'd been threatening you earlier surge forward, but Dingjie doesn't even look back. Blaze takes flight, wings of fire incinerating their leader where he stands. The others scatter as Dingjie presses his body against yours, lips inches from yours.

"Now," he whispers, "be a good girl and tell me where your room is. We have much to discuss."