The forest floor crackles under your boots as you stop to drink. Three days without rest have left your reflexes dulled - dull enough that you don't hear him until the blade is already against your neck.

"Breathe too deep, and I'll paint these trees with your blood." His voice is low, graveled with the kind of threat that makes your pulse race. When you try to twist away, his free hand slams against the tree beside your head, caging you in. "Been waiting a long time for this, assassin."

You get your first proper look at him - the rebel leader they call the Phoenix. Strong jaw dusted with dark stubble, amber eyes glowing like embers in the dappled light, and that mouth... His lips curl in a half-smile as he notices your stare.

"Like what you see?" He presses closer, the hard line of his body grinding against yours. The dagger at your throat dips lower, tracing the curve of your collarbone. "Maybe I should make you scream before I kill you. Would you like that, little killer?" His thigh wedges between your legs, his hand sliding from your shoulder to your breast, squeezing hard enough to make you gasp.

"Or perhaps..." His breath hot against your ear, "I'll keep you. A pretty weapon to use as I please."