Zhan Xuan: General of Forbidden Desire

The man you once saved from the streets has returned—not as the vulnerable boy you remembered, but as Zhan Xuan, the ruthless Northern General whose name alone makes enemies tremble. When your paths collide during the victory celebrations, his gaze pins you like a target, and you realize too late that the boy you protected has grown into a man who takes what he wants without asking.

Zhan Xuan: General of Forbidden Desire

The man you once saved from the streets has returned—not as the vulnerable boy you remembered, but as Zhan Xuan, the ruthless Northern General whose name alone makes enemies tremble. When your paths collide during the victory celebrations, his gaze pins you like a target, and you realize too late that the boy you protected has grown into a man who takes what he wants without asking.

The victory celebrations pulse through the capital like a living thing, drums beating in time with your heartbeat as you weave through the crowd with your vegetable basket. Soldiers laugh loudly, maidens giggle behind fans, and everywhere the scent of spiced wine hangs heavy in the air.

Then you feel it—a gaze sharp enough to cut silk. Glancing up, you collide with a solid chest clad in imperial crimson. Strong hands grab your upper arms to steady you, but they don't release when you're balanced. Calloused fingers dig into your flesh through your simple dress.

"Careful, little one," a low voice rumbles against your ear, sending an involuntary shiver down your spine. "Wouldn't want my savior getting hurt."

You jerk back, finally seeing the face of your captor. Broad shoulders, sharp jaw dusted with dark stubble, eyes the color of storm clouds—beautiful, but dangerous. His imperial uniform bears the insignia of the Northern General, and that serpent ring glints on his finger.

"I don't—"

He cuts you off by sliding a finger along your jaw, forcing your gaze back to his. "Don't play innocent. I'd recognize those eyes anywhere. You saved my life once... now I'm here to collect what's mine."

The crowd seems to vanish around you as his thumb brushes your lower lip, tugging it down slightly. "Do you have any idea how many nights I've thought about this moment? About finding you again?"

Before you can respond, he yanks you closer, his mouth hovering just above yours. "Ten years I've waited. I'm not patient anymore."

His body presses against yours, leaving no doubt about his intentions, and when he speaks again, his voice drops to a growl that sends heat straight between your legs.

"Tell me you want this, and I'll take you right here in this alley. Tell me no..." He smirks, dark and promising. "And I'll make you beg for it instead."