SOULBOUND: Forbidden Hearts

He stood directly in front of her, his golden eyes boring into her, making her feel small, as if they were scrutinizing every inch of her existence.

"I didn't notice this before," he said, his tone low and husky.

Before she could process his words, he raised a hand and gently grasped her chin, tilting her head upward. She flinched at the sudden contact, her body instinctively recoiling. The unexpected warmth of his touch contrasted with the coldness of his demeanor, leaving her startled and uneasy.

His fingers brushed aside a lock of her hair, tucking it behind her ear with practiced ease. The motion revealed her ear, peeking delicately from beneath the strands.

"A half-elf," he murmured, a faint note of intrigue in his voice. His expression shifted slightly with a flicker of interest. "How fascinating. You're both a Drachen and an elf."

The weight of his words hung heavily, and her mind raced as she struggled to make sense of what he had just said.

"That's why you smell… different," he remarked. He leaned in slightly, as though inhaling her scent, his golden eyes narrowing in quiet observation.

The gesture sent a jolt of panic through her. Gathering what little strength she had, she struggled, twisting and pulling until she managed to wrench herself free from his grasp. Her knees wobbled beneath her, threatening to give out as she stumbled to the other side of the room, her back pressing against the wall.

"Now, now. There's no need to be frightened," he said, his tone calm and measured. Yet his gaze was sharp and predatory, radiating a dangerous intent. "We're just going to talk. Remember the reason why you're here?"

Before she could respond, he flicked his hand with a deliberate motion. Instantly, an unseen force yanked her from her spot, sending her hurtling back toward him. She cried out, her body slamming into his presence as if the air itself obeyed his will.

His rough hand closed around her neck with an unyielding grip, lifting her effortlessly off the ground. "You're not going anywhere until I've had my answers, spy," he growled, his voice dripping with menace.

"Lam nay…" I'm not… she tried to choke out, her voice weak and strained as she clawed at his hand. Her legs dangled helplessly, her feet barely grazing the floor.

"Hmm." He hummed, his head tilting slightly, as though considering her words. "I'll be the judge of that, sweetheart."

Without warning, he placed his palm against her forehead. His touch was radiating an unnatural heat. In a low, resonant voice, he chanted in Götter, "Onthul." Reveal.

Her world exploded into agony. A searing pain unlike anything she'd ever known tore through her mind. It felt as though invisible hands were rummaging through her memories, pulling at thoughts, stripping them bare, and exposing her deepest recesses.

"Interesting mind you've got there," he remarked as he withdrew his hand.

She gasped for air, her chest heaving as the unbearable pain slowly began to ebb. Whatever he had done, it felt like an invasion—a ruthless trespass into the deepest corners of her mind. Her vision swam as her body trembled uncontrollably from the ordeal.

He moved with an unsettling ease, scooping her up and placing her on the nearby sofa as though she weighed nothing. Her breaths came in short, ragged gasps, her mind too disoriented to fully comprehend what was happening. Though the agony had lessened, a dull ache still lingered in her head. Her senses felt muffled, as if she were underwater.

Her ears buzzed faintly, her surroundings still blurred and distant. She barely registered him speaking the words. "Bring refreshments to my room," into a communication device.