Shiao Yi's heart pounded hard; the sight felt private almost forbidden.
His mind told him to look away, but his eyes refused to obey.
He knew Dominic's body well they had fought side by side, healed each other's wounds but seeing him like this, powerless and caught in the grip of a living trap, struck something deeper inside him.
Even though he was being bound himself, Shiao Yi couldn't stop the strange pull of fascination and worry that twisted in his chest.
Dominic clenched his jaw, trying to fight the sensations and keep his focus.
The vines pressed closer, feeding on his energy and Shiao Yi could sense how much power they were draining from him.
Somewhere in the haze, he realized what was happening these plants were feeding directly from Dominic's life force, his magic, even from the fluids that carried that energy.
"Hold on…" Shiao Yi whispered, though he doubted Dominic could hear.
The air felt thick, almost intoxicating.
