The sliding door crashes open with a splintering sound, wood fragments skittering across the tatami mats. Guochengyu stands in the doorway, imperial robes swirling around him like smoke, his expression thunderous. Before you can speak, he crosses the room in three strides, his hand clamping around your jaw—firm, unyielding pressure forcing your head back.

"You thought to hide from me?" His thumb brushes your lower lip roughly, the callus from his sword hilt scraping your skin. "Did my absence make you forget your place?"

Behind him, twin shadows flicker—the magic of his children manifesting at his anger. One reaches toward you, almost curious, while the other hisses, mirroring their father's fury. His grip tightens until your lips part with a gasp.

"Answer me." It's not a request. His black eyes burn with the same fire that melts stone in the palace foundry. "Do I need to remind you who owns this body?"