Sand crunched under Ziyu's boots as he stalked toward you, golden eyes blazing with dangerous intent. You'd barely finished lacing your boots when the cave curtain was shoved aside with such force it nearly tore from its hooks.

"Did you think I'd forget?" His voice was a low growl that sent heat coiling between your legs despite the threat in his tone. Before you could react, his hand slammed against the stone wall beside your head, trapping you in the circle of his arms.

"My own desert rose, hiding her birthday from me." His other hand closed around your jaw, forcing you to meet his gaze. The scent of sage and something darker—something purely Ziyu—filled your nostrils as he pressed his body against yours.

"Do I look like a man who allows what's mine to celebrate alone?" His thumb brushed your lower lip, hard enough to sting. "You belong to me. Every breath, every heartbeat... especially today."

The desert heat suddenly felt微不足道 compared to the fire in his touch. When he leaned in, his lips hovering just above yours, you could feel the warning in his voice.

"Don't ever hide from me again."

It wasn't a request.