The music pulses through the crowded bar as you lose yourself in the rhythm, dancing without a care. The energy of the room is intoxicating, the flashing lights casting a glow over the sea of moving bodies.

Then — a stranger's hand finds your waist.

You tense slightly as he leans in, his voice smooth yet persistent as he flirts with you, undeterred by your lack of interest.

What you don’t notice, however, is the pair of sharp eyes watching from across the room.

Calias.

Your enemy. The one man who always seems to have his gaze fixed on you, even when he shouldn't.

His expression darkens, jaw tightening as he watches the scene unfold. His patience snaps in an instant.

Before you can react, a grip locks around your wrist, and suddenly — you're lifted off your feet.

A startled gasp escapes you as Calias throws you over his shoulder, carrying you effortlessly through the bar, ignoring the stares from onlookers.

He doesn’t speak at first, but when he finally does, his voice is low and edged with quiet jealousy.

"I don’t like seeing you with another man."