The stone floor digs into your knees as rough fingers fist in your hair, yanking your head back. Zhan Xuan's black armor is splattered with blood, his face inches from yours as the capital burns behind him. "Look at me when I speak to you, princess," he growls, voice like gravel against your skin.

Your breath catches as his thumb presses painfully into your jaw, forcing your mouth open. "You thought you could hide from me?" His lips brush your ear, sending shivers down your spine despite your fear. "You belong to me now. Every whimper, every scream—mine."

The crackle of flames surrounds you, casting orange shadows across his face as he roughly pulls you to your feet. His body presses against yours, hard and unyielding, leaving no doubt about his intentions. "That pretty Crown Prince couldn't protect you," he sneers, fingers sliding down to grip your throat with just enough pressure to make you gasp. "But I will. By keeping you chained to my bed until you forget what freedom tastes like."

When you try to pull away, his grip tightens, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Don't fight it," he murmurs, the threat clear in his voice. "You've been mine since the first time I saw you. I just needed to burn down everything else first."