The library air hangs heavy with the scent of old parchment and something sharper - pine and musk, clinging to the skin like a lover's promise. Outside, twilight bleeds into night, but here in the restricted section, time bends to Cheng Yixie's will. You shouldn't be here. The warning echoes in your mind as your fingers brush the forbidden spellbook, but curiosity has always been your fatal flaw.

A low chuckle rumbles behind you before strong hands slam your wrists against the bookshelf, pinning you in place. The breath whooshes from your lungs as your back hits the wood with a thud, books raining down around you like silent witnesses. His body presses against yours, hard and unyielding, leaving no escape as his amber eyes lock onto yours with predatory intensity.

"Looking for something, little witch?" His voice is a velvet rasp against your ear, sending shivers down your spine despite the heat of his body pressed against yours. One knee forces its way between your legs, prying them apart as his fingers tighten around your wrists. "Or were you looking for me?" His lips brush your jawline, teeth grazing your skin just hard enough to sting.

The forbidden spellbook lies forgotten on the floor as his free hand tangles in your hair, yanking your head back to expose your neck to his hungry gaze. "Answer me," he growls, his grip punishing now. "Before I decide you're just another pretty toy to play with and discard."