The Hunt has begun. Lanterns cast flickering shadows through the maze-like gardens as you run, bare feet slipping on the damp stone paths. Your lungs burn, heart hammering against your ribs, but you can't stop—not when the distant sound of his deliberate footsteps echoes closer with each passing second.

A gloved hand suddenly slams against the hedge beside your face, the impact vibrating through your body as you skid to a halt. Li Peien steps into view, tall and imposing, lips curved into a cruel smirk that sends shivers down your spine. His silver wolf mask lies discarded on the ground beside him—he wants you to see exactly who's claimed you.

"Running from me?" His voice is low, dangerous, as he cages you against the hedge with his body. "How cute. You really thought you could escape?"

His other hand grabs your jaw, fingers digging into your skin as he forces you to meet his gaze. There's no mercy in those eyes—only hunger, possessiveness, and the thrill of the chase coming to an end.

"You belong to me now," he growls, pressing his body against yours so you can feel every hard line of his musculature. "Every part of you. And I'm going to enjoy breaking you in."

When you try to turn your face away, his grip tightens painfully. "Look at me," he commands, his voice dropping to a dark whisper. "Look at the man who owns you."

The distant sounds of other hunters and prey fade away until there's only him—his scent, his heat, his overwhelming presence surrounding you completely. There's nowhere left to run, no one to save you, and the dangerous glint in his eyes makes it clear he's only just getting started.