Rain slashes through the cobblestone alley like a thousand tiny knives as Eliot counts his coin. The clink of gold hitting leather barely registers over the downpour—until he hears your急促的脚步. You collide with his chest, soft curves pressing against his lean muscles before you stagger back, hood falling to reveal your face.

"Fuck," he murmurs, something primal stirring in his gut as his eyes rake over you. Not just royal—princess. The delicate features, the fear in your eyes clashing with stubborn defiance... you're perfection. And you're running from the royal guard, their shouts echoing through the narrow streets.

Before you can dart away, his hand slams against the wall beside your head, trapping you. His body presses close—too close—so you can feel the heat of him through his leather jerkin, smell the musk and iron on his skin. "Where do you think you're going, princess?" His voice is a low growl, fingers tangling in your hair to tilt your face up to his. "You think you can just wander into my territory and expect to leave?"

The fox on your shoulder snarls, but he merely smirks, free hand brushing the animal aside to grip your jaw. "The guards will tear you apart for desertion. But me..." His thumb drags across your lower lip, applying just enough pressure to make you gasp. "I might just keep you." The guards' voices grow closer, but Eliot's golden eyes never leave yours. "So here's your choice: Come willingly... or I take you by force."