Chapter 31 · The Devil's Deal

"Kneel. Now."

Varis didn't shout. He didn't have to. The sheer pressure of his voice slammed Sloane onto the cold stone floor, knocking the wind out of her lungs. He stepped closer, the polished heel of his boot clicking inches from her trembling fingers.

"You look pathetic, Sloane," Varis murmured, his voice dripping with a sick kind of satisfaction. "Where’s that arrogant alchemist who thought she could play god in a basement?"

Sloane gasped for air, her ribs aching. Beside her, Kaelen was vibrating—not physically, but the air around him was humming with a violent, erratic frequency. He was pinned by a shimmering, translucent chain of light that bound his wrists and throat, forcing him into a humiliating crouch.

*Sloane! Get away from him!*

Kaelen’s voice exploded inside her head, a raw, distorted scream that made her vision blur. He wasn't just talking; he was fighting the chains with every fiber of his being, and the effort was tearing him apart.

"Stop it," Sloane hissed, glancing at Kaelen. "Kaelen, stop fighting. You're only making it worse."

"Is he talking to you, little witch?" Varis sneered. He reached down, grabbing Sloane’s chin and forcing her to look up.