His Mercy

2. Panic

"Now" he put the bottle on the plate "let me tell you the rules Lily"

How on earth did he know my name?

"Wh-what rules?" 

"I don't intent to keep you in here forever, but in order for me to trust you. You'll have to prove it" he said sternly.

I only gulped. The ties were hurting my wrists a lot. What rules could he possible give me? What does he want from me?

"P-please don't hurt me" I sobbed again. 

"I won't if you behave" he sighed.

I only looked down, my focus was on my poor wrists, why did he tie them so tight?

"C-can you at least loosen my ties?" I kept my head down, his mask made it impossible for me to read his emotions. "P-please..they, they hurt a lot"

He didn't say word, only watched me as he was thinking it through.

"Will you behave if I do?"

I quickly nodded, I just wanted them off. In a slow motion he reached behind my back and I heard a cling sound, was he using a knife? The tape loosened and I noticed him closing a pocket knife and putting it behind his back. 

After assuming it was safe, I moved my hands in front of me and saw the tape around my wrists. I peeled it off, almost screaming from the pain it caused. He just watched as I revealed the red marks from the tape. 

"If you'll be good then I won't have to do that again" the man said and handed me the frozen beanbag. I pressed it on my wrists and looked up at him "t-thank you"

He fixed his posture and cleared his throat "it's quite simple, do as I say and you won't get hurt"

I furrowed my brows, I'm not a slave. I won't just do everything he asks.

"A-and if I d-don't?"

"You'll get a lot more than just a slap on your cheek. But I'm a fair man, I understand this is new for you so I'll go easy. But cross me again, disrespect me or try to escape, I'll make you wish you were dead"

My breath got caught in my throat.

He can't be serious.

"I-I just..wh-what do you plan on doing with me?"

He looked down, like he was thinking. "You'll see"

Tears welled in my eyes again, all the horrible things he could do came to my mind. He is probably a psycho who intends to rape me and then kill me. The room started spinning, I can't do this. It got harder to breathe.

"What's wrong?" I heard him. 

I can't see, I feel like throwing up. 

"Tell me what's wrong" I heard him again, but his voice seemed so distant. I tried catching my breath but it was impossible. My hand went to my chest, my heart is exploding. I tried to switch positions but my feet were still tied..

...

Something was touching my hair, no someone was stroking it. I took a deep breath before opening my eyes. I was still in this dark room. I heard shuffling and then a wet cloth was pressed on my forehead. 

"How are you feeling?" his dark voice echoed. 

"F-fine" I tried to sit up but his hand pushed me back down. My head landed on a pillow. Weird, that wasn't there before. There was also a sheet over the mattress and a blanket. He was really gonna keep me in here. 

The tape around my ankles was still there..

"I brought you some water" 

I looked to the side and saw a few water bottles next to the mattress. 

"Th-thank you.."

"This was quite the panic attack you had, do you get those often?"

I didn't answer.

"Talk to me" he said a little harsher. 

The fear overwhelmed me again, he wasn't gonna let this go.

"C-can I sit up first?" his hand was still pressing down on my shoulder. 

He removed his hand and offered his hand. I took it and he pushed me up. I rested my back against the wall. It was only then I noticed he was sitting on a small stool. Then he waited.

"It- it happens sometimes.. my anxiety kicks in and I can't control it"

"Is it something that triggers it?"

I shook my head "I don't know really.."

I was sure he would ask more but to my surprise he stood up and left, before turning off the lights again. 

It's been a few minutes and I was certain he won't be back for a while. I reached for the water and took a few sips to soothe my sore throat. After that I pulled my legs close to my chest so I could reach the tape. I used a lot, and this tape was strong. I wiggled, clawed, tried to find the edge but nothing. This must've been a special made tape. It was impossible to get off if I only had my hands. 

I let out a frustrated scream and accidentally kicked one of the water bottles. An idea popped in my mind. I reached for the bottle and poured a little water on my legs next to the tape. This could hopefully ruin the glue. I added a bit more and voila! It loosened. Now I only needed to wiggle out of it while using a little more water. 

I wave of relief washed over me when it was off and I rubbed my ankles a little. The light from under the door still shined, he was awake. I fixed the pillow and pulled the blanket over me, too tired to think of an escape plan.