The chains burned like liquid fire the moment they wrapped around my wrists. I screamed, but no sound came out—only a pulse of light that cracked the marble floor beneath us. Across the altar, Emperor Orville stood rigid, his jaw clenched, veins glowing faintly blue beneath his skin. Our eyes locked, and suddenly I felt it: his rage, his fear, his grief—all crashing into me like a tidal wave. The High Priest’s voice echoed, 'The Eclipse Chain is sealed. Until the curse breaks, your fates are one.'\n\nI stumbled back, but the bond yanked me forward, forcing me to feel every breath he took. He turned to me, voice icy. 'You will stay beside me. You will obey. And you will not—under any circumstance—try to remove this bond alone.'\n\nBut that’s exactly what I planned to do. Tonight.