Scarlet chains

Chapter 11--Powerless

---

Dominic stood frozen in the doorway, taking her in—glowing skin, those unreal blue eyes, a presence that felt like the air itself bent around her.

Nova met his gaze, calm, powerful. "I remember everything. Who I am. What I am."

He took a slow step forward. "I don't care."

She tilted her head. "What?"

His expression didn't soften. "I don't care if you're chosen by Heaven, Hell, or both."

He moved closer, voice low and unapologetic.

*"I still own you."*

The room went dead silent. Even the air seemed to recoil.

Nova's glowing eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"

He leaned in. "You signed your name, remember? I bought you. You think glowing wings and fancy eyes erase that?"

She stood, power humming under her skin. "You're brave."

He smirked. "Or stupid."

Her wings sparked faintly behind her, fire and light dancing in the air.

"Touch me again," she said coolly, "and I'll burn your soul out of your body."

He didn't flinch.

"Try me, angel."

---

Nova's breath hitched.

Her wings flickered as she took a step back.

"No," she said sharply. "You don't get to use me. Not anymore."

She turned, storming toward the door.

But then Dominic's voice—*low, taunting, smug*—echoed behind her:

*"Oh… I wonder how Nicole is doing."*

She froze mid-step.

The air stilled.

Her fists clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms.

She turned slowly, eyes glowing brighter now. "What. Did. You. Say?"

Dominic's smirk deepened. He leaned casually against the doorframe. "Your little sister, right? Sweet girl. Same stubborn eyes."

Nova's entire aura shifted. Power rippled off her like a rising storm. "You wouldn't dare."

He tilted his head. "Wouldn't I? You see, Nova… I don't care about your wings. I care about control. And I always get what I want."

She launched forward, grabbing his collar and slamming him against the wall, her face inches from his.

"You touch her—*you even breathe near her*—and I will rip the soul from your body and feed it to Hell myself."

His smirk didn't fade.

"I won't have to… if you stay."

She stared, seething.

He leaned in just slightly.

"Be mine, Nova. Or watch the world burn."

---

Nova's grip tightened on Dominic's shirt—but before she could strike, he shoved her back with a burst of strength.

She crashed to the floor, wings flickering out with a gasp.

He loomed over her, cold and cocky. "You think glowing eyes and angel fire make you untouchable?"

She tried to rise—but her powers *didn't respond*. Her hands sparked… and fizzled.

Dominic crouched in front of her, brushing a strand of hair from her face like a mock lover.

*"Chosen or not, you can't use your powers in my territory."*

She stared at him in shock.

He leaned in, whispering:

*"They don't call me the leader of *Dominion* for nothing."*

He stood, smirking down at her like a king over a defeated queen.

---