Orion's lips curled into a sinister grin as Zhou Linglong's furious cry echoed through the chamber.
"Orion, you are shameless!"
Her voice was sharp with outrage, but Orion only chuckled, his response dripping with mockery.
"Why, thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty."
Zhou Linglong's heart sank. Her insults, meant to cut deep, only seemed to amuse him. She realized too late that provoking this maniac would only fuel his twisted satisfaction. Her anger flared hotter, but she was at a loss for words. Orion, a despicable creature, was beyond reason.
Her silence didn't deter him. With a flourish of his hand, Orion summoned his spiritual power. Before she could even comprehend his next move, a sharp tearing sound filled the air. Zhou Linglong gasped, her breath catching in her throat as her clothing disintegrated into fragments that fluttered to the floor like shredded silk.
A chilling breeze swept over her exposed skin, a stark contrast to the heat of her shame and fury. For a moment, she was frozen, disbelieving, but when reality struck, her scream was loud enough to rattle the palace walls.
"Ahhh! Orion, you will pay for this!"
Her voice cracked as she struggled, helpless against the restraints that bound her body tightly. Every effort she made to shield herself was in vain. The spiritual bracelet kept her utterly immobilized, and she could do nothing as Orion's lecherous eyes roamed freely over her form.
Orion's grin widened, and his gaze lingered without shame. He observed her as if she were no more than an object to be toyed with, devoid of dignity or autonomy.
"Tsk, tsk, Your Majesty," Orion sneered, his tone filled with false admiration. "I must say, you exceed expectations."
His words were laced with cruel delight, and Zhou Linglong's fury only deepened. Yet, she knew it was pointless. Every movement she made was restricted, every attempt at resistance thwarted by his power.
The look on her face said it all: murderous intent burned in her eyes. If only she had the chance, she would tear Orion apart, limb by limb. But he remained unmoved, his smile cold as ever.
"Why so serious, Empress?" he taunted. "Let's have a bit of fun."
With a flick of his wrist, Orion loosened the restraints slightly, allowing Zhou Linglong just enough movement to stand. The freedom was an illusion—a mockery of her helplessness.
"Orion!" she growled, her voice low and filled with venom. "You treacherous scum. I swear I'll kill you!"
Her words might have been a death sentence if they carried any weight, but they didn't. Orion chuckled softly, his amusement clear. Her threats, while fierce, meant nothing to him. Her rage only spurred his lustful intent. He advanced on her, and though she tried to fight back, her body still bound in spiritual chains, Orion's hand came down with a slap that echoed in the silence.
The blow struck her hard, stunning her into a frozen state of disbelief. Her mind reeled as the sting of humiliation burned deeper than the physical pain.
"Behave yourself," he snarled, his expression turning dark. His patience, if it ever existed, had worn thin. His eyes glinted with something far more dangerous now.
He had no intention of cherishing Zhou Linglong's strength or spirit. She was nothing more than a conquest—a trophy to break.
And in that room, with the heavy air of incense and the dark shadow of Orion looming over her, Zhou Linglong could only watch in horror as her world crumbled, her fate left to the mercy of a monster.