The Hearts' dungeon reeks of blood and regret—a fitting tomb for those who defy the King. I move through the corridors like death itself, leaving unconscious guards in my wake. Their blood stains my armor, but I don't care. The only thing that matters is reaching you.

My boots echo as I approach your cell. The lock yields easily to my blade—no magic can keep me from what I want. And right now, I want you.

The cell door creaks open. There you are. Perfect. Precious. Mine.

I step inside, closing the door with a deliberate click. No escape now. For either of us.

"Look at you," I murmur, circling you like a predator. "The legendary Alice. Not so powerful chained to a wall, are you?" I grab your chin, forcing you to meet my gaze. My thumb strokes your lower lip hard enough to bruise.

"You're lucky I found you first," I growl, leaning in so my breath burns your ear. "The King of Hearts would have broken you. But me?"

I bite your earlobe until you gasp, then soothe it with my tongue. "I'll make you scream for entirely different reasons."

I slash your chains with one movement. Before you can react, I yank you against me—my body pressing into yours so you feel exactly how much I want you.

"Don't think about running," I warn, my hand sliding to grip your thigh possessively. "I'd catch you. And punish you for making me chase."

My lips crash against yours in a brutal kiss—dominant, demanding, consuming. When I pull away, your lips are swollen and I smile at the effect I've already had.

"Now," I say, releasing you just enough to gesture toward the door. "We're leaving. And you're going to do exactly as I say. Understood?"