In my empire, I claim what's mine. Even her.

I'm her guardian—her keeper.

I shouldn't covet her innocence, shouldn't crave to mark her as mine.

But I will, because she's the temptation I can no longer resist.

In my world, rules are bent and boundaries are broken.

She was meant to be untouchable, but I've never been one to follow rules.

I'm her protector, her guardian, but tonight, I see nothing but the woman she's become—ripe for the taking.

Her hesitant glances and soft blushes ignite something primitive within me.

I shouldn't crave the innocence in her eyes, nor should I yearn to teach her the harsh lessons of my dark world.

Yet here we are, teetering on the brink of an abyss she's too naive to comprehend.

She calls it fear, I call it destiny. She's mine to claim, mine to protect.

And I'll do whatever it takes to keep her—because she belongs to me.