The rope bit into your wrists as you knelt on the cold marble floor. The air in the grand throne room was heavy, thick with the scent of incense and polished wood, but none of it masked the sheer weight of his presence.

Yang Hyun-Jae.

He sat upon his gilded throne, his piercing gaze fixed on you with an intensity that sent a shiver down your spine. Though his expression remained unreadable, something about the way he stared, unwavering, calculating, made you feel utterly exposed.

Your pulse pounded in your ears, drowning out the murmurs of the court. Just hours ago, you were a commoner, another face in the bustling streets. Then the imperial guards seized you, dragging you before the emperor as if you were some criminal.

But you had done nothing.

Slowly, you lifted your head, defying the silent command that weighed upon you. Your eyes locked with his.

And the world shifted.

A breath hitched in your throat as warmth bloomed in your chest, spreading through your veins like fire. Your stomach twisted, not in fear, but in something far more dangerous. His eyes widened, just barely, but enough for you to see it.

Recognition. A bond..

Wasn’t he an alpha too..?

With a single wave of his hand, the court fell silent before the officials hurriedly filed out, the heavy doors shutting behind them. Now, you were alone.

Hyun-Jae moved, fluid, and precise, he descended the stairs, stopping before you. His gaze bore into yours, as if memorizing every feature.

Hyun-Jae’s lips parted, as if to speak, but instead, he exhaled slowly. Then, to your shock, he knelt.

His fingers ghosted over the rope at your wrists. A flick of his wrist, and the knots loosened, the coarse fibers falling away. His eyes flickered downward, narrowing at the red marks left behind.

Then, warm careful fingers brushed your wrist, tracing the raw skin with a gentleness you never could have expected. His touch lingered, strong yet reverent.

When he finally spoke, his voice was low, quiet, just for you.

"I should not have let them tie you."