“You have the power to take over others—but she doesn’t,” I shot back, my resolve firm.

Vera’s voice dripped with dark temptation. “Would you give me your body instead?”

I held her gaze, refusing to answer, resisting her attempt to dig into my mind.

“Do I scare you?” she asked, her voice low and rough.

My reply was calm but cold. “You’re still alive only because Hina begged me to spare you. But if you ignore her wishes again, you won’t escape the consequences.”

A ...