The Abyss pulsed violently, alive and sentient, shadows curling around Mason and Seris like a protective, watchful cloak. Seris felt the heat of the mark flare as Mason moved closer, his obsession pressing into her like fire and ice at once.
"You are mine," he whispered softly, brushing a shadowy tendril along her neck. "Every heartbeat, every spark of defiance… mine. Do you feel it, Seris? The pull? The need?"
"I… I am not yours," she whispered, though heat flared in her chest and a shiver ran down her spine.
"You already are," he murmured, silver eyes burning, shadows tightening around them. "And even your defiance… only strengthens the bond. Every spark of power, every act of rebellion… threads you closer to me. And eventually, you will crave it. You will crave me."
Rival immortals emerged, drawn by the pulse of her power. Seris struck first, shadows ripping through the intruders, Mason's presence amplifying her strength. When the last fell, she collapsed against a wall, trembling, heart racing. Mason knelt beside her, voice low, possessive, and intimate. "You are mine," he whispered. "And you will learn… all of you belongs to me."