The next morning, Elias woke in a different bed.
It took him a full ten seconds to realize it wasn't his own.
The silk sheets were black and gold. The canopy above was embroidered with crimson runes. And beside him, lounging shirtless like a devilish prince in a painting—
Varian.
Elias sat up fast. "What the—?!"
"Good morning," Varian purred, voice rough with sleep. "You sleep like a kitten."
"Did you drug me?!"
"Don't be dramatic," Varian said, stretching lazily. "You passed out in the garden. I brought you here."
"Why here?"
"I wanted to watch you sleep."
Elias nearly punched him again.
Varian sat up, golden eyes gleaming. "You're very expressive when you dream. Especially when you dream of me."
"I wasn't dreaming of you."
"Mm. Then you were grinding your teeth and moaning my name out of hate?"
Elias flushed. "You're sick."
"I'm honest," Varian said, voice low now. He leaned closer, hand sliding behind Elias's neck, gently—but firmly—pulling him in.
"Don't," Elias warned.
But Varian's mouth was already on his.
It wasn't rough this time. It was maddeningly slow—soft lips brushing, teasing, coaxing. His tongue slipped past Elias's parted lips like a secret, stealing the air from his lungs.
And worse—
Elias kissed back.
For a heartbeat.
Then he shoved Varian with both hands. "Stop kissing me like you mean it."
"I do mean it."
"No, you don't. You just want control."
Varian's smile faded. He touched Elias's cheek, almost tender. "I want you. All of you. That includes your resistance."
"You want to own me."
"I want to unravel you."
The chain around Elias's neck pulsed. The collar buzzed like it liked the idea.
Elias stood, stepping away from the bed. "You think you're in control. But one day I'll break that collar. I'll destroy that book. And then you'll be gone."
Varian stood too—close, but not touching.
"You think you can win this?"
Elias nodded. "I know I can."
Varian's lips curved. "Then let's raise the stakes."
He snapped his fingers.
The collar glowed—and a new rune appeared, hovering in the air like fire.
Elias backed up. "What the hell did you do?"
"I've added a trial," Varian said. "One task. One kiss. Every day. If you refuse too many times, the collar tightens."
"You bastard—"
"You'll come willingly," Varian said, stepping even closer. "Because deep down, Elias… you like the way I ruin you."
He cupped Elias's face again. "So let's see how long your pride lasts."
Then he kissed him hard.
Elias didn't move.
Didn't fight.
Didn't kiss back.
But part of him—
—part of him wanted to.
---