Elias woke to silk.
Smooth sheets slid against his skin as he blinked up at a carved obsidian ceiling lit with crimson-glowing symbols. The air smelled of ash and roses, heat humming like a second heartbeat through the stone. For a moment, he thought he was still dreaming.
Then the collar pulsed.
He sat up fast—too fast. A rush of dizziness blurred his vision. He wasn't in the attic. He was in a bed the size of a small room, dark sheets tangled around him, wearing... nothing but a thin, silky tunic that barely covered his thighs.
His breath caught. "Where the hell—?"
A chuckle echoed through the room.
"You're awake."
Varian appeared from the shadows like he was one—shirtless, his black silken pants low on his hips, hair unbound, horns catching the firelight. He looked every bit the demon Elias remembered—and worse, more breathtaking without the chaos.
"Where am I?" Elias asked.
"My chambers," Varian said, stretching. "Between worlds. A little private corner of the void. Comfortable, no?"
"You undressed me!"
"I bathed you," Varian corrected. "You smelled like mortal fear and attic mold. You're welcome."
Elias's cheeks burned. "You didn't—"
"I could have," Varian said with a wicked grin. "But I didn't. You're not ready for that yet."
"Ready?! You're insane!"
"Possibly." He stepped closer, shadows licking at his feet. "Now then, time for your first command."
Elias crossed his arms. "No."
Varian's smile turned sharp. "You'll do as I say."
The collar flared with heat. Elias gasped and stumbled forward a step, the burn not unbearable—but intimate. Controlling.
"I don't take orders from monsters," Elias hissed.
"Too bad," Varian said, leaning in. "Because I give them."
His eyes gleamed. "Remove the tunic."
Elias's heart stopped. "What?"
"It's wrinkled," Varian said, completely serious. "I want to see if you can fold it... with your mouth."
"You're insane."
Varian smirked. "Still better than gym class."
Elias glared at him, face burning. "You said you wouldn't touch me."
"I won't," Varian said, taking a seat on a black velvet chaise. "But I never said I wouldn't watch."
Elias turned away, breath shaking.
The collar flared again—just enough heat to make him bite his lip.
"I hate you."
"Get in line," Varian said. "But be a good servant and obey."
Elias yanked the tunic off and threw it at him.
Varian caught it midair without looking. "You're feisty," he said, grinning. "I like that."
Then, without warning, he appeared behind Elias and whispered against his ear, "Now kiss me again."
Elias turned to protest—and Varian stole another kiss.
Hard. Hot. Unrelenting.
When he finally pulled back, Elias was breathless.
"You're mine, Elias," he whispered. "Body, soul... and lips."
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