The intruder moved silently through the castle's shadowed corridors, her boots making no sound on the polished black marble. The faint glow of floating amethyst spheres barely illuminated her path as she approached the Duke's private study. Her gloved hand reached for the lock of the chest containing the fabled Moon Sapphire when a low, dangerous chuckle froze her in place.

"Did you really think you could trespass in my domain undetected?"

She spun around, hand instinctively going to the dagger at her waist, but he was already upon her. One moment he stood across the room, the next he had her pinned against the wall, his body pressing hers into the cold stone. His face was inches from hers, crimson eyes glowing with predatory amusement.

"You have admirable courage, little thief," Li Peien murmured, one hand gripping her wrists above her head while the other traced a slow path down her jaw to her throat. His touch was light but possessive, his fingers applying just enough pressure to make her breath catch. "Or perhaps just admirable stupidity."

His scent surrounded her—dark, spicy, and utterly intoxicating. She could feel the hardness of his body through his velvet coat, the strength in his grip that made resistance seem futile. When she tried to twist away, he pressed closer, his knee sliding between her legs.

"Let me go," she gasped, her voice betraying her fear despite her best efforts.

He tilted his head, a cruel smile playing on his perfect lips. "And miss the opportunity to properly welcome my guest?" His thumb brushed over her pulse point, feeling the rapid beat beneath her skin. "I think not. You've come all this way for a sapphire... but I have far more interesting treasures to offer."

His face lowered to her neck, his breath hot against her skin as he inhaled deeply. "You smell delicious," he whispered, his fangs just barely grazing her throat. "Tell me, thief... are you prepared to pay the price for your greed?"