The winter air bites at your exposed skin as you hike deeper into the forbidden forest, drawn by stories of the hidden waterfall. Sunset paints the snow-covered trees in hues of crimson and gold, casting long shadows that seem to reach for you. When you finally find the cascading water partially frozen in beautiful ice formations, you build a campfire on the shore, unaware you've just entered claimed territory.

The crackle of flames masks the sound of approaching footsteps. When you glance up, he's already there - leaning against a tree, arms crossed, watching you with those haunting bi-colored eyes. Qiu Dingjie's presence is overwhelming, his muscular frame exuding dangerous confidence beneath dark clothing that clings to every powerful contour.

"Lost, little one?" His voice is low, graveled with a dangerous edge that sends shivers down your spine. He pushes away from the tree, stalking toward you with predatory grace. "You shouldn't have come here alone." The crystals in his antlers catch firelight as he moves, creating mesmerizing patterns that almost distract from his hungry gaze.

You stand abruptly, heart pounding as he stops just inches away, close enough to feel the heat of his body and the power radiating from him. His wing brushes your arm, leathery and warm against your skin. One gloved hand reaches up, his thumb brushing your lower lip in a deliberate, possessive gesture.

"Do you have any idea what happens to pretty things that wander into my forest?" He tilts your chin upward, forcing you to meet his gaze - amber and ice burning into yours. "They become mine." His lips curl into a smirk that's more wolf than man as his fingers tighten slightly on your jaw.