Eclipse of Control

Chapter 4: Breaking Point

Sonic paced the small room, his mind racing as he searched for a way out. The space was his prison, and while Shadow no longer kept him bound, the locked door and Shadow's constant presence were enough to make him feel caged. Each step he took echoed in the silent room, a reminder of how alone he really was.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Shadow stepped inside, watching Sonic's restless movements. His red eyes gleamed with the same possessiveness that made Sonic's skin crawl.

"You look tired," Shadow said, his voice dripping with control. "Still trying to find a way out?"

Sonic glared at him. "I'll find it. No matter what you say, I'll get out of here."

Shadow's lips curled into a smirk as he moved closer, his eyes never leaving Sonic. "You can keep searching, but we both know the truth, don't we? You're not going anywhere. No one's coming for you."

Sonic's steps faltered, his resolve wavering. It wasn't the physical barriers keeping him here—it was Shadow. Every word, every cold stare chipped away at him. His fists clenched as he faced the darker hedgehog. "You're wrong. My friends won't give up on me. They're looking for me right now."

Shadow raised an eyebrow, his smirk fading slightly. "Are they? How long have you been here, Sonic? Days? Weeks? Have they found you yet?"

Sonic tried to keep his voice steady, but doubt crept into his words. "They'll find me... They always do."

Shadow's expression darkened. "They would have by now if they were really trying." He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "You don't get it yet, do you? I've been making sure they find nothing. They're chasing shadows."

Sonic's breath caught in his throat. He had suspected something, but hearing Shadow confirm it sent a wave of dread through him. "You've been—"

"Manipulating things? Of course." Shadow's voice was cold, merciless. "I'm not stupid. I wouldn't leave this up to chance. I've led them in the wrong direction, distracted them. By the time they realize what's really happening, you'll already be mine."

Sonic's heart pounded as anger surged through him. "You can't control everything, Shadow! They'll figure it out, and when they do—"

Shadow's smirk returned, more dangerous than before. "They won't get that chance."

In a burst of rage, Sonic lunged forward, but Shadow was faster. He caught Sonic by the wrist, twisting him around and forcing him against the wall. Sonic struggled, but Shadow's grip was ironclad.

"You're too predictable," Shadow whispered, his breath warm against Sonic's neck. "I expected more from you."

Sonic gritted his teeth, trying to pull free, but Shadow's strength was overwhelming. "Let go of me!"

Shadow's grip tightened just enough to make Sonic wince. "I could hold you like this forever if I wanted," he murmured darkly. "But I don't have to. You'll stay, Sonic. Because I'm all you have now."

Sonic's heart sank as Shadow's words dug deep. He wanted to believe that his friends were out there, searching for him. Yet, the longer he stayed locked away, the more that sliver of hope flickered.

Shadow released him, stepping back and watching as Sonic slumped against the wall. "You can fight all you want, but it won't change anything. This is your reality now."

Sonic's fists clenched as he glared at Shadow, refusing to let him see the cracks forming in his resolve. Even if it was true, even if no one came... he couldn't give in. He wouldn't.

"You won't win, Shadow. No matter what you do, I won't let you break me."

Shadow's eyes narrowed, his voice lowering to a threatening whisper. "We'll see about that."

Without another word, Shadow turned and left the room, the door closing with a heavy thud. Sonic slid down the wall, his breath shaky as he stared at the floor. He wanted to keep fighting, to stay strong, but the weight of his isolation was becoming too much to bear.

—
To be continued

Sorry for the slow updates lately! I've pre-written a few chapters, so hopefully I'll be able to publish more often.
See you in the next chapter! :>