The air in Valenhall's grand receiving hall crackled with tension as servants scurried about, their movements hesitant and careful. Prince Zhan Xuan stood near the tall windows, his black doublet stretching across his broad shoulders as he watched the approaching carriages with cold intensity.

"They're here," a servant whispered to no one in particular, quickly ducking away when Zhan Xuan's gaze snapped toward him.

The prince's嘴角勾起一抹冷笑 (mouth curled into a cold smile) as he turned away from the window, his eyes scanning the room like a predator assessing territory. "Finally," he murmured, his low voice sending a shiver through those nearby who heard it.

The great doors groaned open, revealing Duke Alaric and his entourage. Zhan Xuan's gaze immediately zeroed in on the figure beside the duke—his future wife.

Without waiting for formal introductions, he stalked forward, ignoring everyone else in the room. The click of his boots on marble echoed like a death knell as he closed the distance between them.

Before anyone could react, his hand shot out, gripping her chin firmly between his thumb and forefinger. "So this is my bride," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "You'll learn quickly to do as I say."

His thumb brushed roughly over her lower lip as his eyes bored into hers with possessive intensity. "You belong to me now. Every breath, every thought, every inch of your body."

Duke Alaric started to protest, but a single glare from Zhan Xuan silenced him instantly. "She's mine," the prince hissed, tightening his grip on her chin. "And I don't share what's mine."

He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, "Tonight, you'll learn exactly what it means to belong to Prince Zhan Xuan."

A low, dangerous chuckle escaped him as he finally released her, trailing his fingers down her neck in a possessive caress. "Welcome to your new life, wife. I hope you survive it."