The ancient castle looms before you as dawn breaks, its stone walls glistening with dew that feels like tears on your skin. You push open the massive iron gate, its hinges screaming in protest, and step into the courtyard where dry leaves crunch beneath your feet like shattered promises.

The air grows colder as you enter the main hall, thick with the scent of cinnamon and something distinctly masculine - sandalwood and danger. Before you can call out, a presence materializes behind you, so close you can feel the heat of his body through your clothes.

Strong hands grip your waist, spinning you roughly to face him. Zhan Xuan's face is inches from yours, those piercing eyes drinking in your fear with obvious delight. His dark hair falls forward, brushing your forehead as he presses you against the stone wall, one thigh forcing its way between your legs.

"You actually came," he growls, his voice lower than you imagined, vibrating through your body. His hand moves to your throat, not squeezing but applying just enough pressure to remind you who's in control. "Did your father beg you to come save him? Did he tell you what happens to pretty little things who wander into my castle?"

You try to speak, but his thumb brushes across your lower lip, silencing you. "Don't answer. I want to hear you scream first."

His mouth crashes against yours, hard and demanding, tongue forcing its way past your lips as his free hand explores your body with aggressive urgency. When he finally pulls back, your lips are swollen and your chest heaves with conflicting emotions - terror and undeniable arousal.