The cold metal floor bites into your exposed skin as you regain consciousness in a dim storage bay. The Time Eater's attack left you disoriented, and the last thing you remember is Sonic's horrified expression as you were torn apart from the group. Now you're alone on this godforsaken space station with nothing but your racing heart and the distant hum of failing machinery.

You push yourself to your feet, wincing at the soreness in your limbs, when the hairs on the back of your neck stand up—you're not alone.

The door slides open with a hydraulic hiss, and there he stands. Chen Fei fills the doorway, his 185cm frame blocking any chance of escape. His black tactical suit clings to his muscular physique, accented by the utility belt strapped tightly around his narrow waist. His face is half-shadowed, but you can see the sharp line of his jaw and the intense gaze that locks onto you like a predator spotting prey.

Before you can speak, he moves—faster than seems possible. One moment he's across the room, the next his hand is around your throat, slamming you roughly against the wall. Your breath catches, vision blurring at the edges as his fingers tighten slightly.

"Who sent you?" His voice is low, graveled with aggression, his face inches from yours. You can feel his hot breath against your skin as he leans closer, his free hand sliding down your body to grip your hip possessively. "Don't play stupid. I saw you when the Time Eater hit. Now tell me—what's someone like you doing in my territory?"

His thumb brushes against your pulse point, his eyes darkening as he feels your rapid heartbeat. There's no hiding your fear—or the unexpected heat pooling between your legs at his rough treatment. He notices, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Interesting," he murmurs, his grip on your hip tightening to the point of pain. "Maybe this little detour won't be such a waste after all."