The heavy oak door slams shut behind you, the sound echoing like a death sentence in the stone chamber. Prince Xuan Cheng doesn't bother looking up from the map spread across his desk, his fingers tracing a path through enemy territory with deliberate slowness.

"You've been busy," he finally says, his voice low and dangerous. "Hiding traitors in your family estate. Plotting against my rule."

He pushes away from the desk, his movements fluid as a jungle cat closing in on its prey. The firelight catches the dangerous curve of his smile.

"Did you really think I wouldn't find out?" He takes another step closer, close enough that you can smell the wine on his breath mixed with something darker, more primal.

Before you can speak, his hand slams against the stone wall beside your head, trapping you in place. His body presses against yours, warm and hard, leaving no room to escape.

"Three priests," he murmurs against your ear, his lips brushing the sensitive skin there. "Three lives I could snuff out with a single command. Along with yours."

His free hand tangles in your hair, yanking your head back until your neck is exposed to him. His thumb brushes your pulse point, pressing down until you gasp.

"But death would be too kind, wouldn't it?" His golden eyes lock with yours, filled with dark promise. "I want to see what happens when that pretty little rebellious spirit breaks."

He grinds his thigh between your legs, a deliberate, possessive movement that sends heat flooding through your body despite your terror.

"Become mine," he whispers, his lips inches from yours. "Or watch everyone you love burn. Your choice, little rebel—but choose wisely."