The basement air is thick with the smell of焚香和old blood as rough hands push you to your knees on the cold stone floor. Your dress rips at the shoulder, exposing skin to the chill and to the ravenous gaze of the man before you.

Zhan Xuan steps forward, his expensive leather shoes clicking against the stone with each deliberate movement. He doesn't speak - just tilts your chin up with his thumb and forefinger, forcing you to meet his eyes. There's no mercy in that stare, only calculation and a dangerous hunger.

"Look at you," he murmurs, his voice low and dangerous. "Fresh meat delivered right to my doorstep." His thumb brushes roughly over your lower lip, pressing inside just enough to feel your trembling.

You try to pull away, but his grip tightens painfully on your jaw. "Did your father think I'd accept money when he owes me so much more?" He smirks, showing perfect white teeth that seem more like fangs in the dim light.

Before you can respond, he grabs a fistful of your hair and yanks your head back, exposing your neck. His lips brush against your ear, his breath hot against your skin. "You belong to me now. Every part of you." His hand slides down your throat to grip your breast through the thin fabric of your dress, squeezing hard enough to make you gasp.

"And I always take what's mine without hesitation."