I step toward Blackwell and place the blade against his skin, right next to Xander’s mark. With deliberate pressure, I carve a circle—an “O” to complement his “X.” Blackwell writhes against his restraints, but I maintain steady pressure, completing the circle. Blood beads along both our marks, tiny crimson dots forming a macabre connect-the-dots puzzle on his chest. “XO,” Xander says, his voice warming with approval. “Fitting signature for our first collaboration.”
