Elias didn't speak to Varian for the rest of the day.
He paced the halls of the dark palace, trying to ignore the echo of the kiss that still burned against his lips. The new rune—trial one—glowed above his collar like a silent countdown. One task. One kiss. Every day. He didn't know what happened if he refused too many times, but with Varian, it wouldn't be mercy.
When night fell, Varian returned.
He found Elias sitting on the floor, arms crossed, the chain still glowing faintly around his throat.
"Ready for your first task?" Varian asked, all silk and danger.
"No," Elias snapped.
Varian's grin widened. "That can be arranged. But first…" He flicked his fingers and the air shimmered. A low, red pedestal appeared in the center of the room.
"Get on it," he said.
Elias frowned. "What?"
"On your knees. Hands behind your back. Head down."
Elias stared at him like he was insane. "You want me to kneel on that?"
"Yes."
"Absolutely not."
Varian raised a brow. "Then I'll take my kiss now."
Elias hesitated—he knew what that meant.
If he refused the task, Varian would kiss him wherever he pleased. And the demon wasn't subtle. Or gentle.
"…Fine," Elias muttered, heart pounding. "But this doesn't mean anything."
"I know," Varian said sweetly. "It's just obedience."
Elias climbed onto the pedestal, knees resting on the velvet surface. He crossed his wrists behind his back, glaring at the floor, refusing to meet Varian's eyes.
The chain shimmered with warmth.
Varian circled him slowly. "You're beautiful when you obey," he said. "Like a blade sheathed just for me."
Elias clenched his jaw.
"Stay still," Varian whispered.
And then he leaned down—kissed the top of Elias's spine, right between his shoulder blades.
It was soft.
Too soft.
Not demanding. Not cruel.
Just… warm.
Elias froze. The touch lingered longer than necessary. It felt wrong—not because of what it was, but because part of him wanted more.
He stood up fast, almost stumbling off the pedestal.
"There. Task done. Don't touch me again."
Varian only smiled. "Oh, Elias. You think you hate me. But you react every time I'm near."
Elias shoved past him, cheeks burning. "Shut up."
But Varian caught his wrist, spun him back, and kissed him again—fast, firm, demanding. A reminder that he was still in charge.
Elias shoved him away. "I hate you."
Varian laughed. "Then tomorrow's trial will be delicious."
The rune pulsed.
One trial down. Forty-nine to go.
And Elias had no idea how he was going to survive.
---