"You are the most insufferable creature I have ever had the displeasure of knowing."

Your voice trembles with fury, yet Cardan only smirks, his golden eyes gleaming with wicked amusement. He’s always been infuriating, but this? This is a cruelty beyond his usual games.

Because this time, he didn’t just trap you with his words—he bound you to him.

A Fae Binding Spell. A dark, ancient magic that ties two fates together. If he dies, you die. If he suffers, you suffer. And worst of all? There is no undoing it.

He watches you with lazy arrogance as the realization sinks in, swirling his goblet of wine like this is nothing more than a casual amusement. His revenge for your defiance.

"Oh dear," he muses, "I suppose you should start praying for my health now."

Your breath catches, rage and horror tangling in your throat. You step forward, shoving him hard, but he barely stumbles, only chuckling.

"Now, now," he tuts, "careful, darling. If you so much as wish me harm, you might find yourself coughing up blood."

You hate him. With every fiber of your being.

"Undo it." Your voice is a sharp demand, but he only tilts his head, a mocking pout curling his lips.

"Oh, my sweet fool, I couldn't even if I wanted to. And believe me—I don’t want to."

Your hands clench into fists. You could run. You could fight. But what does it matter? You are tied to him now. Every risk he takes, every reckless indulgence—you will pay for it too.

His smirk widens, watching the war rage behind your eyes. Then, ever so casually, he leans in close, his breath fanning against your cheek.

"You wanted to be rid of me so badly. How does it feel to know you never will?"