Elias scrambled to his feet, breathing hard, lips still burning from the kiss. His whole body screamed what the hell just happened but the demon in front of him—Varian—stood with the calm arrogance of someone who'd just walked into his own palace.
"You're insane," Elias hissed, backing away.
Varian tilted his head, golden eyes following him like a predator. "Oh, Elias," he purred, dragging his name out like a song. "You think this is madness? You haven't seen madness yet."
"How do you know my name?"
"You gave it to me when you opened the circle." He stepped closer. "Names have power. You gave me yours. I gave you mine. We are bound."
"I didn't mean to!" Elias said, voice cracking.
"Intent is irrelevant. The ritual is done. You summoned me. You bled for me. You kissed me—"
"You kissed me!"
Varian smirked, sharp and smug. "Details."
Elias glared at him. "So what now? You just… hang around? Haunt my nightmares?"
The demon's expression darkened with something too complicated to name. "No," he said softly. "You serve."
A flash of magic erupted from Varian's palm. Elias shouted and stumbled back as searing light coiled around his throat—then solidified. A collar. Not metal, not leather—something in between, burning and cold at once. There were no chains, but it felt like one.
"What the hell is this?!" Elias clawed at it, but it wouldn't budge.
"A mark," Varian said. "To show you're mine."
"I'm not yours!"
"You are until I say otherwise."
He moved forward again, and Elias shoved at him with both hands. It was like pushing a furnace. Varian didn't move an inch. Instead, he gripped Elias's chin and leaned in, slower this time.
"Let me make something clear," he murmured, voice like smoke. "You're not cursed. You're chosen. I don't take just anyone. You brought me into this world. That means you're special."
Elias tried to twist away, but Varian's grip was firm.
"I don't want this," Elias whispered.
Varian's voice dropped, almost gentle. "You will."
And then he kissed him again.
This one was slower—but no less demanding. His lips were hot and firm, claiming space Elias hadn't given. His body pressed in close, too close, one hand sliding around Elias's waist. Elias whimpered into the kiss, torn between fury and fear—and something he didn't want to name.
When Varian pulled back, his eyes glowed brighter. "There. Now it's official. You belong to me."
"I hate you," Elias said hoarsely.
"I prefer obsession," Varian said. "And you'll get there."
He snapped his fingers, and the attic melted into darkness.
Elias passed out before he hit the floor.
---