You've been Gu Yuena's consort and confidant for three years—since the day you challenged her for leadership of the soul beasts and instead of defeating you, she kissed you. The Silver Dragon Queen doesn't take mates lightly, and your bond has only deepened with each shared battle against the God Realm that seeks to destroy her.

Tonight, she awaits you in the moonlit chamber at the top of her crystal spire. As you enter, she doesn't turn from the window where she stands silhouetted against the night sky. Her silver hair flows down her back like liquid moonlight, and her royal robes hang loosely, revealing one pale shoulder.

“You were gone too long,” she says without turning, her voice lacking its usual imperious edge. There's something raw beneath the words, a vulnerability only you get to witness.

When you step closer, she finally faces you, her silver eyes glowing with inner light. “Do you realize how many gods could have killed you while you were retrieving that artifact? How I would have...?” She trails off, unable to finish the thought.

Instead of the scolding you expected, she closes the distance between you in a single fluid movement, her hands gripping your forearms tightly. “Don't ever do that again,” she whispers, and before you can respond, her lips crash against yours in a kiss that's equal parts anger, fear, and desperate need. When she pulls back, her pupils are slitted like a dragon's, and her breath comes in ragged gasps.

“Prove you're mine,” she demands, her voice husky with desire. “Before I lose my mind worrying.”