Heat.
It wrapped around her like a living thing—thick, humid, and almost intimate, as if the air itself wanted to press against her bare skin.
Her lashes fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was red. Not the violent kind, but a deep, sensuous shade that bled into every part of the world around her. Grass like strands of silk brushed against her legs, each blade a shimmering crimson. The sky above was hazy, painted in muted rose and gold, as if caught between sunrise and sunset.
"This… isn't my apartment," she murmured, voice hoarse.
She sat up slowly, only to freeze as something shifted inside her head—like the echo of a bell ringing in a place she didn't know existed.
> [System Integration Complete]
Welcome, Host.
Dual-Core System Activated.
Primary Core: Survival System.
Secondary Core: Lustbound Breeder System.
Her eyes widened. "Wait… Lustbound what?"
> Survival System: Assists host in finding shelter, food, water, and protection.
Lustbound Breeder System: Gain strength, skills, and stat boosts through intimate exchanges with compatible beings.
Note: This world's inhabitants are not human. Compatibility and attraction levels may vary… violently.
"What kind of messed-up video game did I get thrown into?"
She rubbed her temple, only to freeze. Her hands met bare skin. She looked down.
Gone. Every stitch of clothing.
A rush of heat rose to her cheeks—not entirely from embarrassment. The air was warm, but the warmth felt… deliberate. It caressed, it lingered, it teased.
Before she could process the situation, another ding echoed in her head.
> [Beginner Mission Unlocked]: Survive the First Hour.
Objective: Evade or overcome any threat encountered.
Reward: Beginner Pack + 10 System Points.
Her heart thumped faster. "Threat? What—"
A sound cut her off.
Low. Heavy. Too measured to be an animal.
The grass shifted ahead of her, parting under the steps of something large. The shadows between the trees thickened before a figure emerged.
He was massive—easily over six and a half feet. His skin had the faintest golden sheen under the crimson light, muscles sculpted like he had been carved from divine stone. His hair fell in dark, loose waves, and his eyes…
Her breath caught. They glowed molten amber, locked on her with a hunger so intense she could feel it.
> [System Notification]: Potential Mate Detected.
Scanning…
Compatibility: 92%
Arousal Level: Elevated.
Her body reacted before her mind could catch up. A flush spread across her skin, her heartbeat pulsing in her ears. She instinctively took a step back, but her heel caught on the soft grass.
He moved forward, each step slow, deliberate, predatory.
"Little one," his voice rumbled, deep enough to vibrate through her bones, "you don't belong in this grove."
Her Survival Core flared in warning.
Her Breeder Core… purred.
The system chimed again.
> [Choice Triggered]
Option 1: Resist. Outcome – gain Combat Skill: Predator's Step.
Option 2: Submit. Outcome – gain Breeder Skill: Essence Drain.
Warning: Choice will shape Host's starting progression.
Her pulse spiked. Both options screamed danger, but for different reasons.
He reached her in two long strides, towering over her. One hand came up, not to grab, but to cup her chin—his fingers warm and calloused, tilting her face up toward his. His scent wrapped around her, earthy and heady, making her mouth dry.
She wanted to push him away.
She wanted to pull him closer.
"You smell… untamed," he murmured, his thumb brushing over her lower lip. "New. Unmarked."
Every inch of her skin felt hypersensitive under his touch. Her breath came faster, her knees trembling.
> [System Tip]: Higher compatibility targets yield greater stat boosts upon… successful interaction.
Her survival instinct battled the new, dangerous pull awakening inside her.
If she resisted, she could gain a fighting skill and escape into the forest.
If she submitted… she had no idea if she'd survive the experience, but something told her she wouldn't be the same after.
The heat of the grove thickened around them, the crimson light painting the edges of his jaw, his lips—full, slightly curved, and entirely too close.
Her voice trembled as she asked, "What happens if I choose… neither?"
A slow, wolfish smile spread across his face.
"Then I'll make the choice for you."
The system chimed one last time.
> [Countdown Initiated: 10… 9… 8…]
Her heart pounded. Ten seconds to decide. Ten seconds before her fate in this strange, dangerous, intoxicating world was sealed.