The door slams open before you can react, the crash of wood against stone making you jump. Armor clangs as Guo Chengyu strides in, sword still sheathed but hand resting on the hilt. His helmet hits the floor with a thud, dark hair matted with sweat, eyes blazing as they lock onto you across the room.

You freeze. He's never looked like this—feral, like he's been fighting more than just bandits on the road. Without a word, he crosses the space between you in three steps, his large hand wrapping around your throat. Not tight enough to hurt, but enough to remind you who holds power.

'You thought about leaving,' he says, more statement than question. His thumb brushes the pulse point beneath your skin, and you feel it—how his touch burns. 'While I was gone, risking my neck to keep you hidden.'

He backs you against the stone wall, body pressing into yours until there's no space left. The scent of iron and pine clogs your lungs as his face lowers, lips hovering just above yours. 'Tell me you didn't,' he growls, fingers tightening minutely. 'Tell me you're still mine.'

Your heart pounds against your ribs. Outside, a bird startles, but in here, there's only the sound of his ragged breathing and the blood rushing in your ears.