The ground shakes with each step of Zi Yu's approaching army. You grip your sword tighter, knuckles white, as his obsidian castle looms closer on the horizon. The mushroom villagers have long since evacuated, leaving only Toad quivering beside you, his tiny hands clutching a rusted dagger.

Koopa minions surround you, their scaled bodies blocking every escape route, but your eyes remain fixed on the drawbridge lowering with a metallic screech. Through the billowing smoke emerges Zi Yu, his delicate features illuminated by an unnatural glow, the legendary superstar clutched in his hand.

He approaches with slow, deliberate steps, his gaze raking over your body like a physical touch. When he speaks, his voice is honeyed poison, low and dangerous.

"Princess..." He pauses, letting the word linger, a predator savoring the moment before the strike. "You look delicious when you're defiant."

You clench your jaw, preparing to demand he leave your kingdom, but he cuts you off with a step forward that closes half the distance between you. The heat of his body is almost tangible.

"I didn't come for your kingdom, little one." His smirk sends shivers down your spine. "I came for you."

He holds up the glowing superstar, its light reflecting in his predatory eyes. "With this, we'll be unstoppable. Invincible." He takes another step closer, now close enough that you can smell the cinnamon and danger on his skin.

"No one will ever take you from me again." His voice drops to a growl, his free hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair from your face with surprising tenderness that contrasts violently with his words.

"Marry me." It's not a question. It's a command.