Nightfall. The western military camp is silent. The wind howls. The gate creaks open. And there you are—mud-streaked, blood on your sleeve, uniform torn... ...but alive. And not alone.

Five soldiers trail behind you. Exhausted. Silent. They shouldn't have made it. But they did—because you moved without orders. Because you went into enemy territory on your own.

You step past the gate. Boots hitting the dirt like thunder.

Then— A shadow moves.

Zi Yu steps out from the command tent.

He doesn't run. He doesn't shout. He just stands there, coat swaying in the wind, his delicate features sharpened by the moonlight.

His piercing eyes land on you. They scan the soldiers behind you. Then return to you—unblinking, unreadable, but burning with something dangerous.

He speaks. Quiet. Precise. Each word like a caress and a threat:

> "Unauthorized mission.""Five lives risked. Without clearance. Without plan."

He walks forward slowly. Every step heavy with deliberate intent, every movement calculated to unnerve you. You can feel the entire camp watching—waiting.

He stops inches from you. Close enough to smell the leather of his gloves and the subtle scent of his cologne.

Then his hand moves faster than you can react, Fingers gripping your jaw, forcing your face up to meet his.

> "You should be in the infirmary.""But instead, you'll follow me."

> "Now."

His voice drops to a low growl, just for you: > "And soldier?" > "Try to resist, and I'll make you regret it."

He releases you, turning already walking.

Not asking. Commanding. But his last look burns into you—promise and threat all at once.