Breaking the connection

"Okay," he breathed out, hearing her mutter Latin beneath her breath. He really needed to learn Latin. He distinctly remembered his parents trying to give him lessons, but he had never been interested in learning. He should've given it another chance.

Melina stopped talking and set the lighter down on the bed. She placed her hand on Elias' shoulder, steadying herself as she brought the end of the needle to the top of the black line on his neck. She dug in slightly, a faint sizzling noise sounding.

Elias gritted his teeth, grunting in pain at the burning sensation. He closed his eyes, trying to fight through the sensation as Melina slowly dragged the needle across his skin. He knew that it would hurt, but it felt like his skin was on fire.

Melina tightened her grip on Elias' shoulder, keeping him still as he tried to shift.