The Abyss had grown restless. Shadows shifted and twisted like living creatures, wrapping around pillars of jagged black stone, curling protectively around Mason while responding to Seris's every heartbeat. The silver mark burned hotter than ever, threading obsession and power into her soul. Mason's presence pressed against her mind like molten steel, storm-dark and unyielding, coiling around her thoughts, her desires, and her will.
"You cannot fight it," Mason whispered, stepping close. Shadows caressed her skin like fire and ice. "Every spark of rebellion, every heartbeat… strengthens the bond. You crave it, Seris. You already do."
Her chest heaved. Shadows coiled around her hands, twisting into blades that lashed and struck with lethal precision. A rival god emerged from the Abyss, eyes molten-gold, radiating centuries-old hatred. Its body surged with energy that warped the shadows violently.
Seris lunged, her goddess-blood energy flaring as shadows wrapped around her strikes. Mason's obsessive tether amplified every blow, every maneuver. Fear, exhilaration, and desire collided violently in her chest, leaving her trembling yet unstoppable.
"You are unstoppable with me," Mason murmured, leaning close. Shadows brushed her arm like a caress and a shackle at once. "Every act of defiance… every heartbeat… belongs to me. You are mine, Seris. Already. And soon… you will understand what it is to crave me."
The Abyss itself reacted violently, twisting and coiling around them, striking at the rival god while protecting them. Every strike she delivered, every movement she made, was enhanced by Mason's obsessive presence. When the god finally fell, she collapsed, chest heaving, trembling from exhaustion and the overwhelming heat of the mark.
Mason knelt beside her, brushing shadows along her neck, silver eyes molten and storm-dark. "You are mine," he whispered. "Even your defiance strengthens the bond. One day… you will crave me. You cannot resist."
The Abyss pulsed violently around them, alive and aware, shadows coiling protectively yet hungrily. Desire had taken root where fear had once lived. The chains of obsession tightened, coiling around her mind, heart, and soul, suffocating and intoxicating, binding her utterly to Mason.