The Breaking Point
Kai tried to reclaim control.
He ignored Lucien's messages.
He avoided familiar streets.
He stayed on campus late.
He even slept at Leo's apartment.
None of it worked.
Lucien did not appear.
Which somehow felt worse.
Three days passed.
Silence.
No crimson eyes.
No commanding voice.
No presence pressing against Kai's soul.
Kai felt hollow.
Restless.
Unbalanced.
"You look like you're detoxing from a cult," Leo said, handing him a cup of coffee.
Kai stared into it. "Maybe I am."
Leo sat beside him.
"You don't have to go back," Leo said quietly. "Whatever he is… you don't owe him yourself."
Kai whispered, "I don't know who I am without him anymore."
Leo's expression softened.
"That's not love, Kai. That's conditioning."
Kai closed his eyes.
"I know."
And still…
At 2:17 a.m., Kai woke up gasping.
Pain tore through his chest.
Not physical.
Spiritual.
Like something vital was being ripped away.
He fell out of bed.
Clutching his shirt.
"Lucien," he whispered without meaning to.
The air warped.
Shadows bent.
Lucien appeared in front of him.
Eyes blazing red.
Kneeling instantly.
Hands gripping Kai's shoulders.
"Say it again."
Kai cried out. "It hurts!"
Lucien pulled Kai against his chest.
The pain stopped instantly.
Like a switch had been flipped.
Lucien's voice shook.
"You are bound to me."
Kai froze.
"What?"
Lucien pulled back, face unreadable.
"When I claimed you, I marked your soul."
Kai stared at him in horror.
"You did what?"
Lucien swallowed.
"I didn't expect it to complete so fast."
Kai's voice broke. "You turned me into property."
Lucien's jaw tightened.
"I turned you into mine."
Kai shoved him.
Hard.
Lucien didn't move.
"I didn't consent to this!"
Lucien's eyes burned.
"You didn't refuse either."
Silence exploded between them.
Kai whispered, "Fix it."
Lucien's voice was low.
"There is no undoing a soul bond."
Kai's knees gave out.
Lucien caught him.
Kai sobbed into Lucien's chest.
"You ruined me."
Lucien closed his eyes.
"I saved you."
Neither of them knew which was true.
But the breaking point had been reached.
And nothing would ever be the same.