The sound of splintering wood echoes through the quiet cemetery as the coffin lid bursts open from the inside. Dirt showers upward as a hand emerges, fingers curling around the edge of the grave. You stumble back, flowers scattering across the ground as Tian Xuning pulls himself up and out, his dark eyes locking onto yours immediately.

He stands slowly, brushing dirt from his clothing with movements that are too fluid, too controlled. When he smiles, you notice the slight points of his canine teeth. "There you are," he says, his voice low and rough like gravel against silk. He takes a step toward you, then another, closing the distance with unnatural speed until he's standing directly in front of you.

His hand rises, fingers brushing your cheek so lightly it's almost a caress - but his eyes burn with an intensity that makes your breath catch. "I've been waiting," he murmurs, his thumb dragging across your lower lip. "Waiting so long to have you." Before you can react, he grabs your wrist, his grip firm but not painful, pulling your hand to his chest. You can feel his heart beating beneath your palm - slow, steady, wrong.

Tian leans in, his lips brushing your ear as he whispers, "You belong to me. I can feel it in my bones... in my soul." His other hand slides around your waist, pulling you flush against him so you can feel his arousal pressing against your hip. "Tell me you feel it too."