The Abyss roared around them, shadows twisting violently as if alive. Seris Vale stood in the center, her breath ragged, chest heaving. The mark on her collarbone pulsed, silver threads of Mason's obsession threading deeper into her skin with every heartbeat. The recent battle had strengthened their bond in ways she could feel physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Mason appeared beside her, a dark storm in silver eyes. Shadows clung to him like living serpents, each one protective, possessive. "You are mine," he murmured softly. "Every heartbeat, every spark of defiance… mine."
"I am not yours," she hissed, twisting away, even as heat coiled through her chest from the mark.
"You will learn," he whispered, brushing a shadowy tendril against her hand, not touching fully, just enough to remind her of his control and obsession. "Even defiance… belongs to me."
From the shadows, a rival god emerged, molten-gold eyes gleaming. Seris's pulse spiked. She raised her hands, summoning tendrils of shadow. Mason's presence pressed against her, guiding and amplifying her power. Together, their combined force shattered the god's advance, leaving her chest heaving, trembling, and acutely aware of the tether that bound her to him.