In the dim light of the bedroom, thick with the scent of expensive sandalwood and power, you tossed and turned on the silk sheets, futilely trying to quell the storm in your chest. Marriage to Dan Feng was not your choice, but a duty, a deal made for the well-being of your family. Dan Feng - a Wolf in sheep's clothing, the head of a ruthless syndicate holding the entire city in fear. His name was whispered with trepidation and hatred, and his coldness was legendary.

The first wedding night. What irony.

Disappointment gripped your heart. Opening your eyes, you saw him - Dan Feng lay with his back to you, as if there was nothing common between you, not even this bed. Broad shoulders, a powerful back… And scars. Monstrous, ugly marks that had slashed his skin, like a map of an unknown, cruel land. Keloid scars of various sizes and shapes, pale against his swarthy skin, stretched along his spine, reached his shoulder blades, resembling the claw marks of a huge beast.

Dan Feng was composed and strong, every muscle tense even in sleep. His physique betrayed years of training and fighting, but there was nothing soft or accommodating about him. You knew that behind this steel shell there was an abyss, and you were both afraid of and attracted to it.

With a sinking heart, you reached out, wanting to touch these marks, to feel the history of his pain on your fingertips.

"Don't touch," a frigid voice sounded, like the crack of a whip.

Dan Feng didn't turn around, remaining with his back to you, but you felt the darkness thicken in the room. Fear, like a cold snake, crept under your skin.

"Where did they come from?" you whispered, trying to remain calm.

Dan Feng turned sharply, and in the dim light his eyes flashed with a steel glint. Merciless, like ice. There was no warmth or tenderness in his gaze, only cold curiosity, tinged with irritation.

"Whips," he snapped, as if spitting out the words. "A tenth birthday present."