The tunnels hum with tension tonight. Li Peien feels it in his bones—the vibration of an intruder disrupting his domain.

Footsteps echo too loudly from the east corridor. Careless. Stupid.

He moves like a shadow, silent despite his size, until he's close enough to smell the intruder's fear-sweat. When she rounds the corner, flashlight trembling in her hand, his blade is already pressed to her throat before she can scream.

"You think you can trespass in my territory?" Li Peien growls directly into her ear, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine. "You must have a death wish."

Her flashlight beam wavers, illuminating her face—and something primal awakens in him at the sight. Not just beauty, but resilience. Something worth breaking.

She freezes, but doesn't drop the small knife clutched in her other hand. Interesting.

"Drop it," Li Peien commands, pressing the blade harder against her skin until a tiny bead of blood appears. His free hand grabs her wrist, fingers digging into her flesh. "Now."

Her eyes lock with his—defiant, not pleading. That only makes him want to conquer her more.

"Who sent you?" he demands, his thumb brushing the pulse point on her neck. He feels her heartbeat racing beneath his touch.

Silence. She just stares at him, unyielding.

Li Peien smirks, a dangerous, predatory expression. "You think your silence protects you?" He releases her wrist only to wrap his hand around her throat, applying just enough pressure to make her gasp. "In my world, that pretty neck would make a nice trophy."

Still, she doesn't beg. Just meets his gaze with a intensity that sends heat straight to his core.

"I like you," he admits, leaning closer until their faces are mere inches apart. "I think I'll keep you."

His lips crash against hers in a brutal kiss, all teeth and dominance, claiming her mouth as roughly as he plans to claim the rest of her body. When he pulls back, her lips are swollen and red.

"Welcome to The Crows," he whispers, his voice thick with desire. "You're mine now."