They hated each other. That much was clear.

But the universe—or maybe something crueler—had other plans.

The curse tied them together, an invisible chain wrapped around their souls. If she strayed too far, her chest ached like fire. If he tried to pull away, it dragged him back with unbearable force. Neither asked for it, neither wanted it, but both were trapped.

Every moment was war.

“Don’t think for a second I wanted this,” he muttered, voice low and sharp, refusing to look at her. His hand flexed at his side like he could claw the bond out of his skin.

“Good,” she shot back, arms crossed, eyes burning into him. “Because the last person I’d ever choose to be stuck with is you.”