Page 50 of Chains of Nightshade

She turns to me, a small smile playing at her lips. "Our enemies?"

"Yours are mine now." I touch the spot where the noble's blade pierced me. "I meant what I said before. I'm yours."

The fire casts shadows across her face, highlighting the power that now radiates from her. She's no longer the fragile slave I first encountered. This Vera stands tall, confident, deadly.

"You could have died," she whispers, her hand reaching out to touch my chest.

"Worth it." I catch her hand and press it against my heart. "Every scar, every wound, every drop of blood – it's all yours."

The mansion's roof collapses with a thunderous crash, sending sparks spiraling into the night sky. Vera watches them rise, her expression thoughtful.

"I used to clean those halls," she says softly. "Now I've reduced them to ash."

"Good." I pull her closer, wrapping my arms around her. "Let it burn. Let them remember what happens when they dare to cage what isn't theirs."

She relaxes against me, and for the first time since my betrayal, she doesn't pull away. "We should go. The flames will attract attention."

"Where you go, I follow." I brush my lips against her temple. "That's the deal, remember?"

My coils shift restlessly against the ground, but I force myself to remain steady, to show her the truth in my words.

"Vera..." I reach for her hand, relieved when she doesn't pull away. "I meant what I said. I'll be your slave for eternity, if that's what you want."

Her fingers tighten around mine, and I feel the pulse of her magic – strong, steady, nothing like the weak presence I first sensed above my prison. She studies my face, her eyes searching for any trace of deception.

"I don't want a slave, Aurel." Her voice is soft but firm. "I can even remove the curse for you."

My chest tightens at her words. After everything I've done, she's still willing to set me free. The irony isn't lost on me – I who once manipulated her for my freedom, now faced with her offering it freely. But the thought of being separated from her, of losing this connection, sends a spike of panic through my body.

"And what if I don't want you to remove it?" The words come out rougher than intended, my voice thick with emotion. "What if I want to stay bound to you?"

I stare into Vera's hazel eyes, searching for any hint of deception. The hatred that once burned there, fueled by my betrayal, has transformed into something deeper, more profound. Love. The realization hits me like a physical blow, making my chest tighten.

My coils shift restlessly against the ground. "You don't understand what you're offering." I reach up, cupping her face with my hand. "Freedom without you isn't freedom at all."

"But after everything I did to you—" She starts to pull away, but I hold her gently in place.

"Look at me." My voice comes out rougher than intended. "Really look at me, Vera. Do you see a prisoner here? Do you see someone desperate to break free?"

Her eyes search mine, and I let her see everything – my fear, my devotion, my absolute certainty. The flames from the burning mansion reflect in her gaze, making the gold flecks dance like stars.

"No," she whispers. "I see you."

"Then you understand why I can't let you remove this curse." I press my forehead to hers, breathing in her scent. "I spent centuries dreaming of freedom, but now? The thought of being separated from you terrifies me more than any prison."

Her magic pulses between us, warm and inviting. No longer the weak presence I first sensed above my prison, but something powerful, magnificent. Something I never want to live without.

"You're sure?" Her voice trembles slightly. "Because once you choose this, there's no going back."

I laugh softly. "Going back? I crossed that line the moment I took that blade for you."

My heart pounds against my ribs as Vera's magic pulses between us, ready to remove the curse. The thought of being separated from her, even by choice, sends ice through my veins.

"Don't." I catch her wrist gently, pulling her hand away. "Leave it."

Her eyebrows knit together. "But why? You could be free."

"Because I want the reminder." My voice comes out rougher than intended. I press her palm against my chest, where my heart races beneath her touch. "I want to feel it every day – this bond that tells me I'm yours."

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