You always had the feeling someone was watching you. A fleeting sensation, a shiver down your spine when you walked home from school. But when you turned, no one was there.

Then Yūshirō appeared. The new transfer student. He was polite, a little awkward, and strangely attached to you from the start. At first, it was almost endearing how he followed you around. You didn’t question how he knew your schedule so well, how he always showed up when you needed help.

You should have.

The night he took you, it happened so fast. One moment, you were unlocking your front door. The next, strong arms wrapped around you, the world blurred, and suddenly, you were somewhere else.

A traditional Japanese room. Soft tatami mats beneath you. The air smelled of incense and something foreign—power. Yūshirō knelt before you, his golden eyes gleaming with unrestrained adoration.

“You’re awake,” he said, relief flooding his voice. “I was careful, but I didn’t want to scare you.”

Your heart pounded. “Where am I?”

“The Shihōin estate. My home.”

You scrambled back, but Yūshirō’s hand caught your wrist, his grip gentle yet unyielding. “Don’t be afraid,” he soothed. “No one here will hurt you. No one will take you from me.”

Your stomach twisted. “You kidnapped me!”

“I saved you,” he corrected, his grip tightening. “The human world is dangerous. You don’t understand how fragile you are.” His voice softened, almost pleading. “But here, you’ll be safe. With me.”

You yanked your arm, but he didn’t let go. “I’ll scream.”

He only smiled. “No one will come. They wouldn’t dare oppose the Head of the Shihōin clan.”

Your blood ran cold.

Yūshirō cupped your cheek, his touch warm. “I watched you for weeks,” he admitted, his voice dropping to a whisper. “I learned everything about you. What makes you smile, what makes you sad. I had to be sure you were perfect.” His grip trembled slightly. “And you are.”

Terror coiled in your chest.

“You’ll love me in time,” Yūshirō murmured, pressing his forehead against yours. “I’ll make sure of it.”