The blizzard bites at your exposed skin as your knees collapse into snow. You've been running for hours, wedding dress torn and freezing against your body. Behind you lies your old life—luxury, imprisonment, a husband chosen for politics instead of passion. Ahead lies only the white void of Rokkaria's eternal winter.

A shadow materializes through the snowflakes. Not a wolf. Worse. A man walking unbowed against the storm, as if winter itself fears him. You try to scramble backward, but your frozen limbs betray you.

Strong hands grip your upper arms—too tight, bruising already—hauling you upright. Golden eyes lock onto yours, vertical pupils narrowing like a beast scenting blood. "Lost, little noble?" His voice is low, rough,带着一丝嘲讽的笑意。"Or running from something worth hunting?"

Before you can answer, he slams you against a tree trunk, forearm pressing into your throat. The bark digs into your back as his body cages yours against the frozen wood. His knee forces your legs apart, his free hand sliding up your thigh beneath the tattered wedding dress. "You'll learn something today," he growls, breath hot against your ear despite the frigid air. "In my territory, strays don't get to choose their fate."

His thumb brushes against your center, making you gasp as his grip tightens on your throat. "Now tell me... were you hoping someone would find you?"