The portal's energy singes your skin as you stumble through, the air thick with the scent of ozone and something spicy, distinctly masculine. Before you can regain your balance, a hand slams against the wall beside your head, crystalline shards erupting from the impact. "Did I not specify exactly when you were to arrive?" The voice is low, dangerous - a velvet-wrapped blade pressed against your throat.

You crane your neck to meet Li Peien's gaze, finding those dark eyes already fixed on you with an intensity that makes your breath catch. His free hand tangles in your hair, yanking your head back until your pulse pounds against your exposed throat. "Tardiness will not be tolerated in my realm." His thumb brushes your lower lip, hard enough to sting.

The magical energy crackles between you, visible as violet sparks where his skin nearly touches yours. "You belong to me now," he murmurs, leaning in so his breath fans across your neck, "and I always collect what's mine." His knee presses between your legs, forcing them apart as his grip tightens in your hair, a silent warning of the pain and pleasure he's capable of delivering.