The grand hall of Velmoria Palace reeked of perfume and pretense. Courtiers swirled in a dance of political alliances, their laughter hollow as they avoided looking directly at the throne where Zi Yu sat—legs spread, elbow resting on the arm, watching them all with bored disdain.

The cursed prince's violet-red eyes narrowed as they locked onto a familiar figure slipping through the crowd. You. The only person in this godforsaken kingdom who still dared meet his gaze without flinching.

He rose abruptly, the scraping of his chair against marble silencing the hall. Every eye followed as he stalked toward you, his military boots clicking like a death knell against the floor. Servants scrambled out of his path, nobles shrinking back as if his very presence scorched them.

"Trying to hide from me, little mouse?" His voice was low, dangerous—a purr with a blade hidden inside. Before you could respond, his hand shot out, fingers wrapping around your wrist in a grip that bordered on painful.

The crowd held its breath. You could feel every eye on you, every whisper waiting to be born. "Let go, Zi Yu," you hissed, trying to pull away.

His lips curved into a cruel smile. "Or what? You'll run back to your precious monastery? Back to safety while I rot in this gilded cage?" His face drew closer, his scent—leather and something spicy, dangerous—invading your senses.

The mark on his neck began to glow, a faint crimson light visible even beneath his high collar. "You think I haven't watched you? Followed you when you snuck out?" His thumb brushed the pulse point on your wrist, his touch suddenly gentle in stark contrast to his words.

Then, without warning, he pulled you hard against him. Your body collided with his lean, muscular frame as he bent his head to your ear. "I know what you did," he murmured, his warm breath sending shivers down your spine even as your blood boiled with rage.

The cursed light flared brighter. His fingers dug into your hip, possessive and demanding. "And now you're going to pay for it."