Ahahahahah thank you - clearly you know what I like, my sadistic soul is pleased. :D Not just the lines drawn towards inevitable tragedy, trust and devotion that doesn't hurt Hardin as much as it hurts Sydney (yet), but... ancient traditions and rituals! Hints at still more tragic backstory! (Which gets me thinking, some topics I had not yet explored myself. Hmm...) And of course Sydney having gotten himself in way over his head. The inevitable comparison to Samantha, unknowing, taken by surprise and betrayed... Hardin, knowing (or thinking he does) and being ready and willing... Ouch. In the best possible way. :D

And dark, dysfunctional, and sequels are all welcome here, of course. Very very much so. Not that I expect that to be surprising. ;)