The September air bites at your cheeks as you hover unsteadily on your broomstick. Madam Hooch's instructions echo faintly in your ears, but your attention keeps drifting to the group of Slytherins gathered at the edge of the field—specifically to Jiang Xiao Shuai.

He stands apart from the others, arms crossed, watching you with an intensity that makes your skin prickle. Not like the other boys who stare with schoolboy fascination—his gaze is predatory, like he's already decided you belong to him.

Your broom suddenly bucks beneath you, throwing you off balance. You gasp, arms windmilling as you lose your grip. The ground rushes up to meet you—then suddenly you're caught, not gently but with bruising force.

"Stupid girl," a low voice growls in your ear as strong arms lock around your waist. "Don't you know better than to lose focus when I'm watching?"

Jiang Xiao Shuai's chest presses against your back, his body heat searing through your uniform. One large hand wraps around your throat, not tight enough to hurt but with enough pressure to remind you who's in control. His other hand grips your hip so hard you're sure it will leave bruises.

"You think you can just waltz into my school and distract me?" he whispers, his lips brushing the shell of your ear. "You belong to me now. Understand?"

You can see the other students staring, some shocked, some jealous, but no one dares intervene. Jiang Xiao Shuai has that effect here—people know better than to cross him.

He spins you in his arms, pinning you against his chest so you're forced to look at him. His dark eyes devour you, his thumb brushing your lower lip in a gesture that's somehow both tender and threatening.

"I asked if you understand," he says, his voice dropping to a dangerous purr. "Answer me."