Siren of the Nightmare System

Contractual

heaved, her lungs burning as the adrenaline began to curdle into a heavy, leaden fatigue. She sagged aga

ldness a sharp, invasive relief against her feverish skin. He traced the line of her jaw with a thu

melodic vibration that seemed to rattle her very teeth. "That was

lt like they were made of wet sand. "Stop it

it was war. And war requires payment. You used a significant amount of the power

ce lacked its usual steel. "I just destroyed my brother's man

her shoulder, pressing firmly enough to make her gasp. "The System is already pinging our stabi

tense, glowing gaze. "So that's what this is? Ano

mn of her neck. "Look at me. Do you really think you can hold this much void-essence

ands clutching the lapels of his c

was forced to arch into him. "I'm asking you to trust the process. You wan

flickering like a dying flame in her tone. "I'm Astrida Mer

eristically vulnerable. "You think I want to exploit you? Look at how you look at m

aying her as she pressed her forehead agains

imate whisper. "But you have to let me in. Properly. Not just as a partne

you bind our essences...

ulling her head back so she had no choice but to meet his stare. "There is only forward. Together. The System

ering against her ribs like a trappe

. "A ritual of exchange. It will be intense. It will be everything. And when it's over, the Syst

going to tether

trida. This is just

ision. As their lips met, the world around them seemed to tear. Astrida felt the violet essence in her blood surge, flowing out of her and into

and violet light. Her vision was overwhelmed by line

droned in the distance, sounding weak and di

he bond threatened to unravel her mind. It was intoxicating. It was the feeli

her mouth, his voice echoing inside her

that moment, she felt the barrier between them vanish. She was no longer

reality of the dark alley returned,

User Class: Chosen

aint, residual light. He looked at her, his ex

" she whispered, her voice steady and echoing

the alleyway, where a silhouette stood, perfectly still. The figure wore a cloak of

d, her hand instinctively fo

thal register, "is the reason we need to leave. A Syste

d its head, a sound like glass bre

pping in front of her. "Or stay and fi