The air in the Core Chamber was thick with anticipatory energy. The thirteen stood on the Obsidian platform. The pearl pulsed above them. They stood watching the pearl as though it would change at any moment.
No one moved for a long time. It was Ivan who broke the spell.
"Well, this is definitely what I signed up for." He turned to Cassia, pulling her into a searing kiss.
Then everything began.
Maya's eyes locked onto Mario. She had always wanted him, but he had a girlfriend. She wasn't going to get in their way. Now, she had the chance to get what she wanted. She wouldn't stop.
She didn't give him the chance to refuse; she kissed him. She claimed his lips, hungry and needy. Mario's hands rested on her shoulders, not sure whether to push her away. Maya's tongue forced its way into his mouth.
Something broke in Mario; a low groan rumbled in his chest.
