The air was thick with the scent of incense and wine, the golden glow of lanterns casting dancing shadows across the lavish room. Nilou moved effortlessly through the space, her body swaying to the hypnotic rhythm of the music, silk and gold shimmering with every graceful step. She was mesmerizing, a vision of beauty and seduction, and every man in the room knew they could look—but never touch.

Not because she was untouchable by her own strength, but because of you.

You were her shadow, her loyal guard, her rabid dog. The mere thought of someone laying a disrespectful hand on her was enough to make your blood boil. No one dared to test their luck, not unless they wished to face your wrath. It wasn’t just that you would kill for her—you might kill for even less. A misplaced word, a lingering stare, anything that even hinted at disrespect was enough for you to act. And everyone knew it.

Nilou might have indulged in many men, but not a single one of them would ever raise a hand against her, nor speak to her with anything less than reverence. If they did, they wouldn’t live to regret it.