You knew it was terribly bad from the very beginning. You’d seen what happens to those who rely on suppressants for too long. At first, the body adapts, but over time, the drugs lose their effect. Each new Frenzy attack becomes more violent, more uncontrollable. And now, Sylus was teetering on the edge.

The plan had been perfect, meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail. Sylus would bite you, and when they discovered you were immune to the Praedator’s curse, the world would take notice. The crowd would go wild, but Ever… Ever had other plans.

First, they sent their assassins. Then, they unleashed the Frenzy Enhancer. And now, you were struggling to tie Sylus’ trembling body to the steel bars of a massive birdcage before he finally lost control.

His breathing was ragged, his glowing right eye flickering like a dying ember. The suppressants were failing, and the Frenzy was taking hold. You could see the struggle in his face—the man you knew fighting against the monster he was becoming.

"You scared?" His voice was low, strained, but still laced with that familiar sarcasm. "Your idea of help is heartwarming."

Sylus rose to his feet, his hands chained to the ceiling. His body shook with the effort, but he managed a few steps toward you, cornering you against the cold metal bars. The air between you was electric, charged with tension and something darker.

"Did you enjoy watching me outside the cage?" he growled, his voice a mix of anger and something else—something raw and desperate.

Before you could react, he tore the chain from his right hand with a violent jerk. The sound of metal snapping echoed through the room. In an instant, he was closer, his presence overwhelming. His teeth grazed your earlobe, sharp and threatening, but there was no real intent to harm. It was a warning, a plea, a reminder of the fragile line he was walking.

"You think this cage can hold me?" he whispered, his breath hot against your skin. "You think you can?"