---
Shèng Lín entered his chamber and closed the door behind him with a sigh. His shoulders slumped the moment he was alone—he had held his composure all day, but it was unraveling fast.
What he didn't realize was that he was not alone.
The door clicked open again. The Prince had followed him.
Before Shèng Lín could react, he was pinned against the wall.
> "Tell me," the Prince said, his voice low, trembling with something between desperation and fury. "Who was it that ordered your mission? Who wanted me dead?"
Shèng Lín's eyes widened. "Your Highness—this isn't the time—"
> "I don't care who they are," the Prince growled. "Even if they're related to you. Even if it was someone you love. I will punish them, not you. Do you hear me?"
He tightened his grip. Shèng Lín could feel the Prince's rage beneath the surface—it wasn't just anger.
It was pain. Obsession. Longing.
> "And if you still won't tell me…" the Prince continued, his voice suddenly quieter, but more dangerous, "then I have other ways."
Shèng Lín frowned. "Other ways?"
> "I'll ignore you," the Prince whispered. "I'll stop looking at you. Stop speaking to you. I'll forget your name."
That struck deeper than any blow. Shèng Lín flinched.
> "You wouldn't," he whispered.
> "Try me."
Shèng Lín tried to push him away. "You're not thinking straight—"
But the Prince didn't let go. Instead, he pulled him forward and kissed him, rough and desperate. His lips crashed into Shèng Lín's with such force it was almost punishment—almost begging.
> "I'll make sure," the Prince whispered against his lips, "you remember this night for the rest of your life."
He locked the door behind them, then swept Shèng Lín into his arms, carrying him to the bed.
---
The tension in the room was unbearable—every breath a standoff between fear and desire.
The Prince kissed him again, slower this time, but no less intense. His hands trembled as they roamed over Shèng Lín's back, over the scars and lines he had come to know.
> "This isn't a mistake," the Prince whispered. "Not this time."
Shèng Lín gripped his robe, caught in the whirlwind.
> "Why are you doing this?" he whispered, his voice shaking.
> "Because I can't let you go," the Prince said. "Even if you destroy me. Even if I destroy you."
Their mouths met again—this time with full surrender. The tension between them broke into something deeper, more consuming.
Outside, the wind howled.
Inside, the room burned with everything they had been running from.
---