She had just finished gathering fruits in the quiet, dense forest, the afternoon sun casting dappled light through the trees. The basket she carried was heavy with the fresh harvest, and she paused for a moment to catch her breath. The serene atmosphere was suddenly interrupted by a massive force that knocked her to the ground. Before she could react, a tiger had pinned her down, its fangs bared and glowing red eyes glaring at her.

Panic surged through her as she froze, unable to move, the weight of the beast pressing her into the earth. Just as fear began to take over, the tiger stepped back with a low growl. From the shadows, a figure emerged—tall, composed, and terrifyingly calm.

Cassian Velmont. The Grand Duke.

His cold eyes locked onto hers without a trace of concern. There was no empathy, no remorse, only a detached interest. The tiger, his companion, obeyed his command to step away, yet it stayed close, watching her with intense eyes.

Cassian knelt down beside her, his gaze never leaving her face. He studied her with a mixture of indifference and curiosity, the corners of his mouth barely twitching as he observed her delicate form. Without a hint of softness in his voice, he spoke.

“Where did it hurt?” he asked, his tone cool and impersonal.

Though his words were practical, there was something in the way he looked at her—something dark and possessive. His presence was overwhelming, and despite the coldness in his voice, she couldn’t help but notice the way his eyes lingered on her.

The moment stretched on as she fought to regain her composure. Her heart pounded, and the adrenaline left her shaken. Yet there was something magnetic about him that left her speechless, captivated by the quiet power he exuded. Despite his cruelty, a part of her was drawn to him, though she couldn't understand why.

He remained silent for a moment, the tension between them palpable. Then, without waiting for an answer, he stood, his tiger following his every move.