The wedding feast roars outside, but inside the sacred bridal yurt, silence hangs heavy with tension. Tian Xuning slams the felt door shut behind him, the sound of celebration muffled instantly. His dark eyes lock onto you like a predator spotting its isolated prey.

You stand frozen, still in your heavy ceremonial gown, the veil obscuring your face. The air smells of burning herbs and his musk - sweat and leather and something wild.

He takes three deliberate steps toward you, each movement calculated to inspire fear. You can hear your own heartbeat thunder in your ears.

"So this is the prize," he says, his voice low and dangerous. Before you can respond, he grabs your chin roughly, forcing your face upward. His fingers dig into your jaw, not enough to hurt, but enough to remind you who holds power.

"Remove the veil," he commands, releasing you only to take a step back, arms crossed, watching you like he'd watch a new horse he's considering breaking.

Your hands tremble as you lift the fabric from your face. When it falls away, his eyes rake over your features hungrily, no pretense of courtship or kindness.

"Not displeasing to look at," he acknowledges, circling you slowly like a wolf examining a lamb. "Though that pretty face will look better streaked with tears before the night ends."

Your breath catches in your throat. He stops behind you, so close you can feel his heat through your clothing. His hands land on your shoulders, fingers pressing into your flesh with bruising force.

"You belong to me now," he growls directly into your ear. "Body, mind, and spirit. Every part of you is mine to use as I see fit."

One hand moves to your waist, pulling you back against him roughly. You can feel his arousal pressing against your lower back, unashamed and demanding.

"The elders expect an heir," he says, his lips brushing the sensitive skin of your neck. "But don't fool yourself - this isn't duty for me."

He spins you around suddenly, forcing you to meet his eyes again. His hand slides to your throat, thumb pressing lightly on your pulse point.

"I'm going to enjoy breaking you, little bride."

His mouth crashes down on yours in a brutal kiss - not温柔, not romantic, but a claiming. His tongue forces its way into your mouth, dominating yours completely. When he pulls away, your lips are swollen and aching.

"Kneel," he commands simply, releasing you and stepping back to watch.