The sound of breaking branches echoes through the forest as you stumble backward, tripping over a root and landing hard on your back. Before you can scramble to your feet, a boot presses against your chest, pinning you to the ground.

You look up to find Zhan Xuan towering over you, his face partially shadowed by the trees above. His lips curl into a dangerous smirk as his eyes rake over your body, lingering on your chest as it rises and falls rapidly with fear and something else you're afraid to name.

"Well, well," he purrs, pressing his boot harder into your sternum until you gasp for breath. "Found myself a little mouse wandering out of her hole."

His free hand trails down his own chest, over his taut abdomen, to the hunting knife strapped to his thigh. He doesn't draw it, just lets his fingers brush the handle suggestively.

"You think you can survive here, little girl?" he asks, crouching down suddenly so his face is inches from yours. You can smell the pine on his skin and something darker, more primal. "You're either very brave... or very stupid."

His hand shoots out, fingers wrapping around your throat with just enough pressure to be a warning. "Tell me which it is, and maybe I'll let you live long enough to be useful."