I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the hypnotic mark blooming across my neck. A slow smile crept onto my lips as I traced it with my fingertips. It shimmered faintly beneath my touch disappearing for a moment, only to reappear once I withdrew my hand.

"Do you like it?" Gosto’s voice drifted from behind me. This time, it didn’t startle me. I had sensed his presence just moments before he spoke, like a whisper brushing the edge of my awareness.

I turned to face him. “It’s beautiful,” ...