Page 136 of Crowned In Venom

A child never wanted.

A son never claimed.

A pawn that was never supposed to be born.

I feel something shatter inside me.

And she knows.

She watches me break.

"Now," she purrs, "let us discuss the terms of your obedience."

I barely hear her.

"Your soul, Varkos."

I blink, my body swaying.

"It will belong to me."

She traces my cheek, smiling when I do not pull away.

"I will bind you to me. Forever. And for that, I need you to be willing."

She laughs.

A horrible, beautiful sound.

I stare.

And I know?—

This isn’t just about power.

This is about owning me.

Completely.

I close my eyes.

I have lost.

I am gone.

But—

Anya.

She is still alive.

And I can do this.

For her.

For the only thing that has ever been real.

"Fine," I say, voice hollow.

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