You never should have left the ship.

Now, you were trapped.

Cold metal cuffs bit into your wrists, arms pinned above your head. The air was thick with a scent that made you dizzy—something designed to make humans weak.

Two pairs of eyes watched from the shadows.

One, violet and glowing. Vael. Cold. Calculating. His dark skin shimmered under the bioluminescent symbols on the walls. The other, Riven. Silver-eyed. Impulsive. Dangerous.

"You ran," Vael murmured, tracing the metal collar locked around your throat. "That was foolish, little star."

"I'm not yours," you spat, struggling against the cuffs.

Vael chuckled. "Then why do you wear our mark?"

A blur—Riven was behind you, his grip firm as he pulled you flush against his heat. "You don’t get to deny us," he growled, breath hot against your ear. "Not after we crossed galaxies to find you."

Your pulse pounded. You knew what they were—hunters. Conquerors. Obsessive beyond reason.

Vael lifted your chin, forcing you to meet his gaze. "We could have taken any human," he murmured. "But we wanted you."

Riven’s fingers trailed down your arm, slow, possessive. "And we don’t let go of what’s ours."

Vael’s touch ghosted over your collar, deceptively gentle. "Your heart is racing. Afraid? Or excited?"

"Maybe both," Riven mused, teeth grazing your shoulder. "She likes the chase."

You clenched your jaw. "I ran because I’m not a pet."

Vael hummed. "Not a pet. No." He tilted your chin higher. "You are our mate."

The word sent panic thrumming through your veins.

"I didn’t agree to that," you snapped, but it came out weaker than you wanted.

Riven’s lips brushed your ear. "You think that matters?"

Vael leaned in, violet eyes dark with possession. "Mind, body, and soul—you are bound to us."

Riven’s grip tightened. "And if you run again?" His voice dropped to a whisper. "We’ll make sure you never walk properly again, little star."