Chapter 3 Bound to Darkness

Aria's heart slammed against her ribs.

Bound to him? No. That wasn't possible. This wasn't possible.

"I don't know what game you're playing," she said, forcing steel into her voice, "but I want nothing to do with you."

She yanked her wrist back, and this time, he let go. The sudden loss of contact sent a strange shiver through her, as if part of her had been tethered to him.

His silver eyes studied her, unreadable. "You don't have a choice."

Her breath hitched. "Excuse me?"

"You're marked," he said simply, as if that explained everything. "It means your life is now tied to mine. Your body, your soul... your fate."

A cold dread spread through her chest. "That's insane."

His lips curved slightly, but there was no humor in it. "You'll see soon enough."

Aria took a shaky step back. "Stay away from me."

Then she turned and ran.

Her legs carried her as fast as they could, her pulse roaring in her ears. She didn't stop until she reached the bright, crowded street near campus. Only then did she dare to look back.

He was gone.

But somehow... she knew this wasn't over.

Not even close.

To be continued. ---