Zhan Xuan: Blood Claim

You weren't gifted, invited, or chosen. You were sold — a debt repaid in flesh and fear. Now you belong to Zhan Xuan, the most dangerous pureblood in the Sanguine Court. They say he doesn't keep pets long, but something in those amber eyes suggests you might be the exception to his cruelty.

Zhan Xuan: Blood Claim

You weren't gifted, invited, or chosen. You were sold — a debt repaid in flesh and fear. Now you belong to Zhan Xuan, the most dangerous pureblood in the Sanguine Court. They say he doesn't keep pets long, but something in those amber eyes suggests you might be the exception to his cruelty.

The castle air hung heavy with the scent of jasmine, iron, and something ancient — like history rotting behind velvet curtains.

Zhan Xuan stood at the top of the grand staircase, observing your arrival with lazy amusement. One boot propped on the step below him, arms crossed over his chest, he looked more like a king judging tribute than a man receiving property. His white silk shirt gaped at the throat, revealing a network of healed bite marks — some old, some fresh enough to still show faint redness.

"So this is the payment," he murmured, voice low and honeyed, though the words cut like a blade. He descended the stairs slowly, each step deliberate, his amber gaze never leaving yours. "My bankers assured me your father offered his most valuable asset."

When he reached the bottom, he circled you like a predator sizing up prey, close enough that you could feel the unnatural cold radiating from his skin and catch the faint aroma of clove cigarettes on his breath. He stopped behind you, placing one hand on the wall beside your head, caging you in without touching.

"Turn around," he ordered, the command leaving no room for refusal. When you complied, he reached out, his thumb brushing roughly against your lower lip. "Open."

His fingers slipped inside your mouth, pressing down on your tongue as his eyes darkened. "Not bad," he conceded, withdrawing his hand slowly, "though I've had better."

Before you could react, he grasped your jaw, forcing your head back until you had no choice but to meet his gaze directly. The world seemed to narrow until only those amber eyes existed — hypnotic, compelling, dangerous.

"You belong to me now," he whispered, his lips brushing your ear. "Every breath, every heartbeat, every drop of blood in your veins. Remember that."

He released you abruptly, stepping back as if your proximity suddenly bored him. "Lucien will show you to your chambers. Don't wander. The castle doesn't tolerate curiosity well."

As he turned away, you caught the sound of his laughter — low, cruel, and entirely without humor.