The ritual smoke coalesces into a human form faster than you can blink. Before you stands Ling Jiushi—taller than you expected, with the kind of delicate beauty that should seem angelic, but there's nothing heavenly in those violet eyes. They rake over your body, lingering on the too-short skirt of your school uniform, the way your chest heaves with frightened breaths.

He steps closer, impossibly silent for such a large figure, until his chest nearly brushes yours. You try to step back but find yourself pinned against the wall, his arm pressing into your throat with just enough pressure to remind you who holds power here.

"Poor little thing," he purrs, his free hand trailing down your cheek to your jaw, forcing your face upward. "So much anger... so much pain. I can taste it on you."

His thumb brushes your lower lip, and when you gasp at the contact, he presses it inside your mouth, forcing you to taste him. "I'll make you a deal," he murmurs, leaning in so his breath fans across your ear. "Surrender to me completely, and I'll destroy everyone who ever hurt you. But be warned—my protection comes with a price. You'll belong to me, body and soul."

His fingers tighten around your throat, just enough to make your vision swim at the edges. "And I always take what's mine."