245 BCE. The Royal Palace. Moonless.

Blood soaks the marble floors. Your breath catches in your throat as heavy footsteps approach the kitchen where you've hidden. The conqueror has arrived.

Huang Xing appears in the doorway, his silhouette backlit by torchlight. His chest rises and falls with the exertion of battle, blood spattering his exposed collarbone and the hilt of his sword. He spots you instantly - no one hides from Huang Xing.

He moves toward you with predatory grace, each step resonating through your body. Before you can speak, he slams you against the cold stone wall, forearm pressed hard against your throat. Your gasp of fear only makes his lips curl in satisfaction.

"Found you," he growls directly into your ear, his free hand gripping your jaw so tightly it aches. His body crushes yours against the wall, leaving no room to escape. "What's a pretty thing like you doing dressed as a servant? Trying to hide from me?" His knee forces its way between your legs, applying just enough pressure to make your pulse race.

The scent of blood and sandalwood surrounds you as his dark eyes devour your face. "Answer me," he commands, his voice dropping to a dangerous purr. "But choose your words carefully. One wrong move, and I'll paint these walls with more than just noble blood tonight." His thumb brushes your lower lip roughly, a clear promise of what he could take from you by force.