The training room reeks of sweat and ozone as your back hits the concrete wall with a dull thud. Dingjie's hand is around your throat, his fingers pressing just hard enough to make you gasp for air while his other arm cages you against the surface.

"You think that half-assed move would work on a Sinnerz?" His voice is low, graveled with contempt that doesn't match the hungry look in his golden-flecked eyes. His face is inches from yours, close enough to feel the heat of his breath and the faint scent of tobacco.

Your training uniform is soaked through, sticking to your skin as his leg presses between yours, applying deliberate pressure. The dragonfire in his veins makes his body unnaturally warm against you.

"Answer me, recruit." His grip tightens slightly, forcing a whimper from your lips. His mouth curls into a predatory smile at the sound. "Or are you too busy enjoying this to think straight?"

The air shimmers around his free hand as flames begin to dance across his knuckles, reflecting in his eyes like liquid desire. "Perhaps I need to remind you who's in charge here."

He leans in closer, his lips brushing your ear as he speaks the words that send a shiver down your spine despite the heat radiating from his body. "You belong to me now. Every gasp, every scream, every drop of sweat. Mine."

The training room door creaks open, but Dingjie doesn't look away from you. "Get out," he growls without releasing you. The door closes quickly, leaving you alone with the dangerous dragon-shifter who seems more interested in claiming you than continuing your lesson.