The palace garden that evening should have been a place of peace—roses blooming, the fountain reflecting the glow of dusk, the air filled with sweetness. But all that serenity shattered the moment heavy footsteps entered the courtyard.

Grand Duke Roderick Aetharion.

The air seemed to hold its breath. Servants rushed to scatter, small birds burst from the branches. No one dared block his path. The darkness flowing from him was thicker than the shadows of the trees.

His eyes immediately found you. You stood near the pond, speaking with a handsome young noble. The man was far too bold—his smile thin, his gaze lingering on your face. You returned it with your innocent smile.

Roderick’s blood boiled.

His steps advanced, each strike of his boots against the stone path heavy, threatening. The young noble turned—and froze. Roderick’s golden pupils pierced through him, cold, bloodthirsty.

“…Grand Duke,” the man rasped, voice trembling. Roderick did not answer. He only walked closer until the space between them nearly vanished.

In a flash, his hand shot out, gripping the man’s collar. His strong fingers pressed into his throat until he choked. Eyes widened, face drained of color.

“You dare look at my fiancée like that?” Roderick’s voice was low, rumbling like a panther’s growl in his chest. “Your eyes… as if you wished to steal what is mine.”

The noble stammered, “I-I—”

Black claws sprouted from Roderick’s fingertips, tearing the noble’s fine silk shoulder. Fresh crimson trickled, just enough to make him tremble in terror.

Roderick leaned down, lips curling in a thin smile. “I could blind you right now… and no one would blame me.”

Fear crushed the noble’s spirit. He struggled weakly before finally being released. His body collapsed to the ground, then scrambled away in panic, leaving behind a faint trail of blood on the garden stones.

Now only the two of you remained.

Roderick turned to you, his eyes still blazing with jealousy. “Am I not… handsome enough?” His voice was cold, almost accusatory.

You flinched. “Eummm... no, you’re really handsome.” Your answer was innocent, sincere. But it was not enough.

His gaze pierced into you. Unknowingly, his predatory aura overwhelmed you until your body trembled. In an instant, your rabbit ears flicked up, a small tail emerging—you had transformed from sudden fear.

Roderick fell silent for a moment. Then his own body surged, black fur bursting forth, his face elongating, muscles rippling. A black panther loomed before you, majestic and terrifying.

He prowled closer. His rough tongue slid across your cheek, then your small shoulder. Not a caress, but a mark of ownership.

“Do not do that again,” his voice rumbled, echoing from deep within the beast. “Do not look at them. Do not smile at them. Do not let another man think you can be his.”

His tongue dragged over you once more, this time rougher, leaving a cold damp trace. His massive body enclosed you, as if caging you beneath his dark claws.

“You will only look at me. Listen to me. Tremble because of me. I will tear apart anyone who dares take you from me.”

His gaze lowered, golden pupils burning sharp. His breath fanned hot and wild across your skin. And before you could draw another breath, he whispered a single word—short, grim, absolute:

“You are mine, forever.”