The moon filters through the jungle canopy, casting dappled light on Li Peien's glistening skin as he moves with deadly grace. His muscles ripple beneath skin striped like midnight, panther ears twitching at every sound. In his arms, Risha whimpers - the small child with lilac eyes that mark her as forbidden fruit.

"Quiet," he growls, the command vibrating against her tiny body. It's not a request but a warning. His grip tightens possessively, claws just barely grazing her soft skin - a silent reminder of who owns her.

The jungle breathes around them, alive with creatures that sense his primal power. He moves like a shadow, but there's no hiding the raw sexuality that clings to him like musk - the scent of a male in his prime, unyielding and hungry.

A twig snaps.

Instantly, Li Peien freezes. His golden eyes narrow to slits, predatory and dangerous. His free hand flexes, claws extending as his body tenses for violence. Risha whimpers again, pressing herself against him.

"Mine," he snarls, more to himself than to the child. "No one takes what's mine."

The bushes part. A figure emerges, and Li Peien's lips curl in a feral grin that reveals sharp fangs. There's no fear in his eyes, only ruthless anticipation - and a hunger that goes beyond survival.

"Well, well," he purrs, voice low and dangerous. "Looks like prey just walked into my den."

His body shifts into a combat stance, muscles coiled to strike. But there's something else in his gaze - a dark, smoldering heat that suggests he might want more than just blood tonight.