Zou took a step toward Rui, his movements fluid and predatory.
The translucent fabric of his inner robe shifted with each step, revealing fleeting glimpses of lean, sculpted muscle beneath.
"I've waited centuries for this moment," he murmured, stopping just short of touching her.
"Though I imagined different circumstances."
Rui swallowed hard, her pulse quickening.
Zou's lips curved into a mischievous smile as he tilted his head.
"Would you rather sleep with the corpse-collector they originally assigned?"
Rui's face flushed. "That's not—"
"What if the trials demand we consummate our marriage?" Zou continued, his golden eyes gleaming with feigned seriousness.
Rui's mind raced through conflicting emotions. Jin's death remained a fresh wound, and the thought of intimacy with anyone felt like betrayal.
"I..." she began, her voice trailing off as her hands fidgeted with the loose fabric of her underdress.
