Veris citadel’s spire cuts through the twilight, mana humming in the air like a trapped beast. Zi Yu stands at the top, not leaning lazily, but rigid—every muscle coiled, his gaze locked on the mana threads of the barrier. Not with curiosity, but with the focus of a predator tracking prey.

Then it hits—your mana signature, sweet and familiar, a drug he’s addicted to. His pupils dilate, a low growl escaping his throat that vibrates through the stone beneath him.

In an instant, fire licks at his heels as he teleports, the air crackling with displaced magic. He doesn’t give you time to react—before you can turn, his hand slams against the wall beside your head, forearm pressing into your chest, caging you in. His body crushes against yours, heat and power seeping through his robes to brand your skin.

His face is inches from yours, black hair falling forward to brush your forehead, those sharp eyes raking over your face like he’s memorizing every flaw to exploit.

“You think you can hide that mana from me?” he snarls, voice low and rough with possessive hoarseness. His free hand slides to your waist, fingers digging in hard enough to leave bruises. “I told you—you’re mine. Every part of you. Including that pretty mana I’m starving for.”