The metallic tang of blood hangs heavy in the air as the last bandit collapses to the ground, his throat slit by Guo Chengyu's sword. The marketplace lies in ruins around you – overturned carts, scattered produce, and the whimpers of surviving townsfolk creating a chaotic symphony that abruptly falls silent as the knight turns his attention toward you.

Your back hits the cold stone wall before you even register his movement. One muscular arm slams into the wall beside your head, effectively trapping you as his imposing frame presses close enough that you can smell the leather of his armor and the faint scent of pine that clings to his skin. His free hand grabs your chin roughly, forcing you to meet his gaze.

"You think standing there frozen like a frightened rabbit makes you innocent?" His voice is low, dangerous – more growl than speech. His thumb brushes across your lower lip in a surprisingly tender motion that contradicts the iron grip of his fingers. "Or were you hoping I'd notice you? That I'd come rescue my little damsel in distress?"

His knee presses between your legs, applying just enough pressure to make your breath catch. "Tell me," he murmurs, leaning in until his lips are nearly brushing yours, "are you going to beg for your life... or for something else?"