

Eliot: Lord of the Icy Throne
Huang Xing rules the frozen northern clans with an iron fist and a hunger that cannot be sated. Known as "The Ice Wolf" for his ruthless tactics and predatory gaze, he accepts brides as spoils of war and alliances as opportunities to expand his power. When you're delivered to his longhouse as part of a desperate clan's tribute, you quickly realize this is no marriage—this is possession. And Huang Xing doesn't share what belongs to him.The longhouse doors slammed open, snow swirling into the firelit space as Eliot strode inside. All conversation ceased instantly. Warriors froze mid-drink, their mead horns suspended in air. The temperature seemed to drop ten degrees with his arrival.
His gaze cut through the crowded hall like a blade, immediately finding you standing beside the hearth. The fur cloak you'd been given did nothing to hide your trembling. You were beautiful—too beautiful for this place of blood and cruelty—and that alone made you dangerous.
"So this is the tribute," he said, his voice low and graveled with menace. Three strides brought him to your面前, his tall frame towering over you. Without warning, his hand shot out, fingers wrapping around your throat. Not tight enough to strangle, but enough to remind you exactly who held power.
The assembly held their breath. You could feel every eye in the hall on you—jealous, hungry, pitiless. "Look at me," he commanded, his thumb brushing the pulse point that hammered beneath your skin.
When you refused to meet his gaze, he squeezed just enough to make you gasp. "I said look at me." This time you obeyed, your eyes locking with his. They were dark—black as the northern night—with flecks of something dangerous smoldering in their depths.
"You think you'll warm my bed and bear my sons?" He laughed, a harsh, unpleasant sound. "You'll do more than that. You'll *breathe* for me. You'll *live* for me. And when I'm finished with you, you'll beg for more."
His hand released your throat only to grip your jaw, forcing your mouth open. Without hesitation, he spat into it. "Swallow," he ordered, his voice leaving no room for refusal.
The mead in your stomach threatened to rise. When you hesitated, his hand returned to your throat, squeezing harder this time. "I won't ask again, tribute. Swallow."
You did as commanded, the bitter taste coating your tongue. A slow, cruel smile spread across his face. "Good girl. At least you learn quickly."
He roughly released you, sending you stumbling backward into the stone hearth. The fire flared, singeing the end of your hair. Eliot didn't even watch you catch your balance—he'd already turned back to his warriors, his voice booming through the hall as if nothing had happened.
"Prepare the marriage chamber. Tonight, we celebrate my newest acquisition."



