The battle was over, but the Abyss did not rest. Shadows whispered, curling toward Mason and Seris alike. He leaned close, silver eyes glinting, obsession tangible. "You are mine," he murmured, brushing a tendril of shadow across her cheek. "Every heartbeat, every spark of defiance… mine. And the closer you resist, the stronger this tether grows."
Seris swallowed hard, trembling. She wanted to recoil, to scream, but the pull of him was intoxicating. The mark flared violently. She realized, with fear and thrill, that Mason's obsession was as consuming as the Abyss itself—and she could not escape it.
"I hate you," she whispered, voice quivering.
"And I adore it," he replied softly, lips brushing the side of her neck. "You will learn… that fear and desire are two sides of the same coin."