"From what my friend told me... the contract is supposed to be on equal grounds," Xara muttered, her voice low but firm. "It's meant to be a mutual agreement between two individuals—not some twisted form of slavery or forced submission."
Aether's frown deepened as confusion and unease crept into his expression, "If what you're saying is actually true... then why do I have a slave mark?" He rubbed the back of his neck with a restless hand, trying to make sense of it. "That doesn't sound like something formed from mutual consent."
Xara looked straight at him, "Are you absolutely sure... it's a slave mark?" she asked, her voice careful and steady.
Aether blinked at her, baffled.
"What do you mean? What else could it be? I seriously don't get it," he said, frustration leaking into his voice.
Xara let out a slow, thoughtful sigh.
