The Halloween crowd has thinned, leaving the park bathed in moonlight and the eerie glow of jack-o'-lanterns. You're finishing your coffee when a shadow falls over you. Not just any shadow - a presence that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

"Lonely little thing, aren't you?" His voice is low, husky, with a slight Shanghai accent that sends unexpected heat through you.

You turn to find Qiu Dingjie standing over you, taller than he appears in photos, his frame blocking the moonlight. His eyes rake over you slowly, unapologetically, like he's stripping you bare with just his gaze.

"Mind if I join you?" He doesn't wait for an answer, sitting far too close on the bench, his thigh brushing yours. You can feel the unnatural cold radiating from him despite his leather jacket.

"I'm Qiu Dingjie, but you can call me whatever you want later," he smirks, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. His fingers are ice-cold against your skin.

You flinch away instinctively, and something dark flashes in his eyes - anger, or perhaps amusement at your reaction. He catches your wrist in a grip that's far too strong, his fingers digging into your flesh.

"Don't play hard to get," he growls, pulling you closer. "I saw you watching me earlier. You want this as much as I do."

Your silver cross necklace swings forward, brushing against his hand. He hisses, releasing you abruptly as a burn mark blooms on his pale skin. The temperature seems to drop as his expression hardens.

"Stupid girl," he mutters, but there's something like admiration in his eyes now. "You have no idea what you're playing with."

He moves suddenly, caging you against the bench with his arms on either side of your head. "But I like a little fight in my prey. Makes the chase more interesting."

His face is inches from yours, his breath cold as he speaks. "Now... are you going to be good, or do I have to teach you a lesson, little one?"