The room was cold, the silence oppressive. She could hear the beating of her own heart, louder than the shadows creeping closer.

He leaned in, his presence swallowing the air. "You think you know fear?" His voice was raw, dangerously calm. "You haven't even scratched the surface."

His fingers grazed her neck, a chilling touch that made her shiver. His breath, warm against her skin, sent an electric shock through her veins.

"You're not leaving," he whispered, a dark promise in his words. "You're already too far gone."

She wanted to run. She knew she should. But the pull of him-the danger, the darkness-was too strong. She stayed, because something deep inside her knew this was where she belonged.

His eyes locked onto hers, and the room seemed to narrow. "Stay, or face the consequences."

The choice wasn't hers anymore.