Elias didn't know when he'd started trembling. The featherlight kiss Varian left on his lips still lingered, not with heat, but something colder—possession.
He hated it.
He hated how Varian's voice echoed in his head even when he wasn't around. Hated that his body reacted before his brain had time to protest. Hated that part of him kept whispering: What if you gave in? Just once?
He stood, pacing the room like a caged animal.
The door creaked open without warning. Varian didn't knock—he never did.
This time, he came holding something in his hand: a silver chain, long and coiled like a serpent.
Elias's stomach dropped. "No."
Varian's grin was wicked. "Yes."
"I'm not wearing that."
"You will."
Varian stepped forward. Elias backed up.
"What is it?"
"It's ceremonial," the demon said smoothly. "Symbol of ownership in my court."
"I'm not your property."
"You're under my roof," Varian said, voice low. "You eat my food. Wear my clothes. Sleep in my bed. That collar means you belong to me, Elias. And I want the others to know it."
"I don't care what your freak court thinks."
"But I do," Varian murmured. "I'm a prince. I can't have my favorite pet walking around unmarked."
Elias turned to run.
Varian grabbed him.
The chain slipped around his neck with a metallic hiss. Elias struggled, tried to pry it off—but it burned into place, fusing with the collar already there. Not painfully—but completely.
He gasped. "What the hell did you do?"
"It's magic," Varian said softly. "Now everyone will see what I see."
Elias's fingers clawed at it, but the chain refused to move.
Varian brushed a finger down his cheek. "It suits you."
Elias slapped him again.
Varian caught his wrist this time, fast.
They locked eyes—heat and hatred colliding.
Then Varian kissed him.
Hard.
Rough.
Elias struggled, bit his lip, pushed—but Varian didn't stop. He kissed like he wanted to consume him. Like he was trying to burn something into Elias's soul.
And for a second…
Elias kissed him back.
Only for a second.
Then he shoved him off, panting.
"Don't," Elias growled.
Varian's eyes were molten gold. "You taste like fire when you're angry."
"I'll never be yours."
"You already are."
"No," Elias said, trembling. "This ends. Tonight."
"Then break the chain," Varian whispered.
Elias grabbed it, yanked with all his strength—but the chain glowed red-hot and held fast.
Varian smirked. "Didn't think so."
And he vanished into the shadows, leaving Elias alone, marked, and furious.
But more terrifying than the rage…
…was how much he missed the kiss the moment it was gone.
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