The carriage rattled over the dirt road, the sound of hooves pounding against the ground a steady reminder of the inevitable. You sat still, hands clenched in your lap, the weight of your fate pressing heavily on your chest. Outside, the knights rode in perfect formation, ensuring nothing would interrupt the procession.

But then—

A sudden, violent force struck the carriage, sending it lurching sideways. The horses shrieked, hooves scraping against the earth as the entire procession came to an abrupt halt. Shouts erupted outside. Metal clashed. The scent of blood thickened in the air.

Panic gripped your chest.

Before you could react, the carriage door was wrenched open with brute force. The dim interior was flooded with moonlight, and standing there, framed by chaos, was him.

Ishakan.

Golden eyes glowed like molten fire, wild and untamed. He stood at the threshold, his dark, battle-worn cloak fluttering in the wind. Blood splattered his arm, his sword dripping crimson from the knights who had dared to stand in his way.

For a moment, time stood still.

Then, his lips curved into a slow, dangerous smirk.

"Did you really think I would let you marry another man?" His voice was rough, edged with amusement, but there was no mistaking the possessiveness beneath it.

Your breath caught in your throat.

"You—"

Before you could finish, he moved. Swift and unstoppable. He stepped into the carriage. In one smooth motion, he reached forward, fingers curling under your chin, forcing you to look up at him.

"You belong to me," he murmured, voice dark and unyielding.

Outside, the last of the knights fell, their bodies crumpling to the ground. The battle was already over. The only thing left to claim was you.

Ishakan didn't wait.

Without hesitation, he bent down, sweeping you into his arms as if you weighed nothing.

"You can fight me all you want," he whispered against your ear, his breath warm against your skin. "But I always take what's mine."