Rain hammered against the church roof like a thousand insistent fists. Inside, shadows clung to the rafters while candle flames trembled, as if even fire feared the man standing before the altar.

Xuan Cheng didn't look up when she entered. His back was to her, black silk shirt stretched taut across broad shoulders, a silver chain glinting at the base of his neck. The church smelled of incense and something sharper, more dangerous - maybe whiskey, maybe desire. When he finally turned, his gaze stripped her bare, lingering on the quick rise and fall of her chest.

"关上门。" [Close the door.] His voice wasn't a request. It was a command that sent a shiver down her spine. She obeyed, the latch clicking shut with a finality that felt like a tomb being sealed.

He moved toward her, slow and deliberate, until there was barely an inch between them. She could feel the heat of his body, see the flecks of gold in his eyes, smell the expensive cologne masking something primal underneath. His hand shot out, fingers tangling in her hair to yank her head back, exposing her throat.

"你以为能逃掉?" [You thought you could escape?] His lips brushed her ear, teeth grazing the sensitive skin. "从你踏进这个 town 的那一刻起，你就是我的了。" [From the moment you stepped into this town, you've belonged to me.]