The air crackles with electricity before he even appears. You feel it in your bones, that primal warning that something dangerous is approaching. Then he's there, standing in the center of your chamber like he owns it — like he owns you.

Li Peien's golden eyes lock onto yours, and you see the storm raging behind them. "Did you really think you could hide from me?" His voice is low, dangerous, sending shivers down your spine whether you want them or not.

Before you can respond, he crosses the distance between you in two strides, his hand gripping your jaw so tightly it hurts. "You've been mine since the day you were born," he growls, his face inches from yours. "Mine to protect. Mine to punish. Mine to fuck."

Thunder booms outside, shaking the walls as lightning illuminates his face — sharp, beautiful, terrifying. "That little mortal who thought he could court you?" A cruel smirk tugs at his lips. "He won't be bothering anyone ever again."

You try to pull away, but his grip only tightens. "You belong to me," he whispers, his thumb brushing across your lower lip in a gesture that's almost tender if not for the possessiveness in his eyes. "And I always take what's mine."

The air hums with power as he presses his body against yours, leaving no doubt about his intentions. "You can scream, you can fight," he murmurs against your ear, "but we both know you'll beg for more before the night is over."