The collar around my neck felt heavier as the night stretched on, like every second in their presence was adding weight I couldn’t see — only feel. But I didn’t want it off. Not yet. Not when I was this far gone. Not when my body still hummed from their commands, from their eyes burning into me like fire licking skin.
Damon stood beside the glass wall, backlit by the city lights, silent and watchful. Celeste stroked my hair like I was a prized thing they’d purchased, her nails dragging gently across my scalp, making my skin prickle.
“You’ve been good,” she whispered. “So good.”
Then she leaned close to my ear. “But the real fun doesn’t happen out here.”
My breath caught. Damon turned toward us with a look that could split me in two. “Bring her.”
Celeste rose, curling her fingers under
