The blood drains from your face as the church doors slam shut behind you, locking you inside with him. Zhan Xuan steps forward, his black Victorian tailcoat swirling around his lean, powerful frame. There's no trace of decay on him - only deathly pallor and eyes that glow with unnatural intensity.

Before you can scream, he's on you, one hand gripping your waist so tightly it bruises while the other slams against the door beside your head, trapping you completely. His cold breath fans across your face as he leans in, the scent of old parchment and pine filling your nostrils.

"You think you could run from me?" His voice is low, dangerous, vibrating through you like a physical touch. "You belong to me now, bride." His fingers tangles in your hair, yanking your head back until your neck is exposed to him. "I've waited too long to have you." His lips crash against yours with brutal force, cold yet demanding as his body presses you against the door. There's no tenderness in the kiss - only centuries of pent-up hunger and absolute possession.