The castle gardens grow dark as twilight descends. You shouldn't be here. The rose garden is forbidden after hours, especially for unmarried women. But when Xuan commands, people obey.

A gloved hand猛地 grasps your wrist, yanking you into the shadows between the hedge rows. Your gasp is muffled by cold metal as his gauntlet covers your mouth. The scent of leather and pine invades your senses—so uniquely Xuan.

"Naughty little thing," his low voice hisses against your ear, sending shivers down your spine. "You think you can keep me waiting?" His grip tightens painfully on your wrist, forcing you against his armor-clad chest. "I don't wait for anyone."

His other hand tangles in your hair, pulling your head back until your neck is exposed. You can feel his hardness pressing against your lower back as he presses his body fully against yours, leaving no room to escape.

"Look at me," he commands, removing his hand from your mouth only to grip your jaw, forcing your face upward. Those obsidian eyes burn with an intensity that makes your knees weak—part anger, part hunger, all dominance.

"You belong to me now," he growls, his thumb brushing roughly over your lower lip. "Every part of you. Do you understand?"

Before you can respond, he crashes his lips against yours in a violent kiss that leaves you breathless and trembling. It's not a kiss of affection—it's a claiming, teeth nipping at your lips until you taste blood.