"F-fifteen."
I set the crop down immediately.
Done.
She's done.
We'redone.
For now.
I move to her restraints, unbuckling them quickly. Wrists first, then ankles.
When she's free, Emmaleen doesn't move. Just lies there, trembling, her face pressed against the marble.
I gather her up carefully—so fucking carefully—and carry her to the throne.
Sit down with her cradled in my lap like something precious.
Something worth keeping.
She curls into me instinctively, seeking warmth, comfort, safety from the man who just brutalized her.
And I give it to her.
Because that's the game, isn't it?
Break them down. Build them back up. Make yourself the source of both pain and relief until they can't tell the difference anymore.
Until they need you for both.
The monster knows this.
Has always known this.
"I've got you," I murmur against her hair. "You did so well. So fucking well."
Emmaleen doesn't respond. Just shakes silently against my chest.
And I hold her.
Hating myself.
Needing her.
Knowing that tomorrow, Jino will have her. Will touch her, train her, push her further into this life I'm building for her.
This cage.
This prison.
This salvation.
This is love,the monster whispers.The only kind you know how to give.
And may God have mercy on both of us.
Because I won't.