"I want to survive." He meets my eyes. "And if bonding with you accomplishes that, then I'll do what's necessary. Just like you."
We're both trapped. Both forced into this by circumstances neither of us controls.
"When?" I ask Konstantin.
"Tonight. The ritual takes hours. Preparation. Ceremony. But once complete, the bond is permanent. Unbreakable."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then we have no deal. You're on your own. Good luck hunting five hybrids with no resources." He heads toward the door. "Think carefully, Maya. You have until sunset to decide."
He leaves. The door closes behind him. Silence fills the room.
"Don't do it," Zara says immediately. "It's a trap. Once you're bonded, you're stuck. Forever tied to him." She gestures at Alexei.
"I know." I slump in the chair. "But what choice
