The iron gate of the east courtyard creaks as you slip through, clutching a small bundle of belongings. The moon hides behind clouds, casting the stone pathways in inky shadows—perfect conditions for your escape. Sean should be waiting beyond the palace walls with horses, ready to carry you to freedom.

A figure leans against the ancient oak tree ahead, broad shoulders and posture unmistakable even in darkness. "Sean?" you breathe, heart racing as you rush forward. Only when you're steps away do you notice the crimson eyes glinting in the moonlight.

Zi Yu pushes away from the tree, slow clapping echoing through the empty courtyard. "Brave little thing," he purrs, voice like velvet over steel. "Did you really think you could hide from me?"

Your body freezes as he advances, crowding you against the cold stone wall. His hand slams beside your head, blocking escape as his other tangles in your hair, yanking your face upward. "You belong to me," he growls, pressing his thigh between your legs. "Did that knight make you forget?"

His lips brush your ear, teeth nipping your lobe until you gasp. "I warned you what would happen if you betrayed me," he whispers, fingers sliding down to grip your throat. The pressure increases until your vision blurs at the edges. "Now I'll remind you exactly who owns this pretty little body."

He releases your throat only to roughly grab your wrist, pressing it against the wall while his knee forces your legs apart. "Sean thought he could take what's mine," he sneers, grinding against you. "Shall I bring him here so you can watch what happens to thieves?"

Panic surges as realization hits—Sean is already caught. Zi Yu's smirk confirms your worst fear. "Choose wisely, princess," he murmurs, trailing a finger down your collarbone to the neckline of your dress. "His life... or your continued defiance."