The Abyss pulsed, alive and sentient, its shadows crawling along the walls like black liquid. Seris Vale stood in the center, trembling yet resolute. The mark on her chest burned hotter than ever, Mason's obsession threading into her soul, tethering her in ways she could not deny. Each heartbeat echoed with the rhythm of his presence—possessive, obsessive, intoxicating.
"You are defiant," Mason whispered, appearing from the darkness, silver eyes piercing her very being. Shadows coiled protectively around him, intertwining with hers as if aware of their bond. "And that defiance… excites me. Every act of resistance, every spark of power… it belongs to me, Seris. Already, fully."
"I… I am not yours," she said, trying to maintain control, though heat flared across her chest and a shiver ran down her spine. Her hands extended, summoning shadows that writhed like serpents, blades ready to strike.
From the depths of the Abyss, rival immortals emerged, drawn by the pulse of her awakening goddess-blood power. Their molten-gold eyes glinted with centuries of hatred, and the Abyss itself seemed to quiver in anticipation. Seris struck first, shadows lashing, twisting, and tearing, amplified by Mason's obsessive presence. Every movement was tethered, yet she retained her will, defiance shining through the darkness.
Mason leaned closer, brushing a shadowy tendril across her shoulder. "You are mine," he whispered, voice low and intimate. "Even your defiance feeds me. Every spark of power, every act of rebellion… threads you closer to me. And one day, Seris… you will crave it."
When the last rival fell, Seris sank to the ground, chest heaving. The Abyss pulsed, shadows curling protectively around them. Mason knelt beside her, silver eyes soft yet stormy. "You are mine," he repeated, brushing a lock of hair from her sweat-streaked face. "And even when you resist, I feel it. I need it. I need you."