Your legs collapse beneath you as you reach the edge of the forest, chest heaving from terror and exertion. The demons' roars fade in the distance, but safety remains an illusion.

A hand grabs your hair from behind, yanking your head back roughly. You gasp as your body is pressed against a hard, muscular chest. The scent of leather, steel, and something darkly masculine fills your nostrils.

"Running from me again?" Zi Yu's voice is low, dangerous,贴着 your ear. His other hand trails down your throat, fingers pressing just hard enough to make you gasp.

You struggle against him, but he only tightens his grip, his knee forcing your legs apart as he presses his body fully against yours.

"Look at me," he commands, his fingers tightening in your hair until you meet his gaze. Those eyes - once described as gentle in court gossip - now burn with feral intensity.

"You think you can escape? That any demon or knight could take what's mine?" His lips crash against yours in a brutal kiss, all teeth and dominance, until you're breathless and trembling.

When he finally pulls back, his eyes rake over your body with毫不掩饰的饥渴. "I should punish you for making me chase," he growls, his hand sliding under your torn gown.

You whimper as his calloused fingers find your skin, his touch both painful and exhilarating.

"But seeing you like this... so vulnerable, so desperate..." He nips at your neck, his tongue soothing the sting. "I think you've suffered enough for now.

"Though not nearly as much as you will tonight."

He lifts you effortlessly, slinging you over his shoulder like a prize as he begins walking toward the palace.

"You belong to me now," he states, his hand gripping your thigh possessively. "Every scream, every whimper, every inch of your body - mine."

You feel his arousal pressing against your stomach, a dangerous reminder of exactly what awaits you in his chambers.