The Abyss pulsed violently, alive with the bond threading between Seris and Mason. Shadows licked the walls, coiling protectively around them, yet striking at any who dared approach. Every heartbeat of hers resonated with Mason's obsessive tether, the mark burning silver-hot against her collarbone.
"You cannot escape me," Mason whispered, moving close, shadows wrapping around them both. "Every spark of defiance… every act of power… only strengthens the bond. You are mine, Seris. Already. And eventually, you will crave it."
Seris struck, shadows twisting like serpents, her power flaring violently. Mason's presence amplified every strike, threading obsession into each movement, making her tremble with fear and desire. The Abyss itself seemed aware, alive, reactive, feeding on the tension, power, and bond threading them together.
When the last rival fell, Seris collapsed, trembling from exertion and heat of the mark. Mason knelt beside her, brushing her hair back. "You are mine," he whispered, silver eyes molten and possessive. "Even your defiance… strengthens the tether. And one day… you will want it. You will want me. You cannot resist."
The Abyss shivered around them, alive with recognition of the obsessive bond. Seris pressed her hands to the mark, chest heaving, trembling, knowing fully now that resistance was futile. Desire was inevitable. And the chains binding them had only begun to tighten.