Crimson contract

ice-silent and seamless, like part of the wall. On the

allway, lined with deep red velvet and black stone. At the end, a sing

building plan," Eir

. "This level exists between flo

or open, and Eir

chains. No leather. No mirrors or harsh lights.

n closed. A table of crystal decanters sat to the left, beside a low-burning fireplace. Shelves lin

m," Lucien said. "Every

er feet, legs trembling slig

"But not yet.

back of her neck. She stiffened, but didn't move. She heard the

ently to her s

Lucien murmured,

di

r spine in slow, molten threads. Her knees went weak.

aded, and he

oo

ed her

crimson ink-a circle crossed by two thorns, surrounded b

it?" she

It binds your pleasure to my command. Your body

above it. It felt wa

you feel no

er pupils were blown

for you to touch m

yes burned

aid, voice a razor under

l from the shelf. Inside was a deep, red l

nk t

hesi

, amused. "It's attunement.

the cool glass. She lifted

mach, then spread outward like lightning in he

her as she stu

d. "Feel it. Let i

ng. Her body wasn't her own anymore. It be

h

-" she

her chin,

t y

eyes l

You'll kneel. And I'll show