Protector

Captured Kitten

Author's Note:
⚠️ Warning ⚠️

This chapter briefly mentions sexual trauma. It is only discussed, not shown, but if that is still very triggering to you, I understand and apologize. You are free to rush through this chapter if needed.

•Y/N: Your Name

Catherine's POV:
Flashback

A violent shiver runs through my half naked form as breaths leave my chapped, pink lips in a slow, shaky manner. The sound of sobs echo around me in the small, dark room, coming from the other four girls who are stuck in this godforsaken place with me. I have been able to see them on certain occasions when the light to the basement we're in is turned on, which it is currently not, and if I had to guess they are around my age, though, I can't say I recognize any of them. I haven't been able to communicate with them either, so, regardless of how long we've been here, we are all just strangers.

Like me, they lie on the cold, cement flooring, whimpering and balling their eyes out over the pain that had been inflicted on their bodies. I have not been left unharmed either; in fact I have some fresh bruises from earlier when I had dared to attempt an escape. My punishment was swift and merciless, and I screamed until my lungs gave out, leaving my throat sore and dry. I had been kidnapped for what felt like years, though, I imagine it's only been a few months at the most. I don't have a window to keep track of the days, sadly.

There are at least five men that I know of who are the cause of all our misery, but I have never been able to see their faces through the black ski-masks they wear. Even if I were to get out of this place, I doubt I could identify them to the police by voice alone. These men, they have been so cruel to us: offering little food, little water, locking us in this dark room and tying us with rope while duct tape sticks to our mouths. The binds are kept tight to the point my hands and feet would sometimes feel tingly due to the improper flow of blood.

If I had to guess, it was night now. I felt exhausted, but that was a daily occurrence, since I had been plucked off the street and thrown into the back of a mysterious, black van, but I know that only at night are we given time to rest, even if only for a few hours. Slowly, I sit up to press my back against the wall and wince at the pain in my abdomen, which had been kicked repeatedly just hours ago. Gradually, the cries of the other girls fade as they fall asleep, leaving me the only one awake. Out of all of us, I'm the strongest here, both physically and mentally, so I try to be brave in front of the other victims to give them hope that we won't be broken and hold in my tears until they all fall asleep.

Now that I am left to my own thoughts, I release a small sob and a couple tears. My mind replayed all the horrid beatings and the rough touches of my masked captors, which make me want to gag in disgust and caused me to cry harder. It appears I'm nearing my breaking point. My sanity is hanging by a thread, and I'm trying my hardest to hold on, but the light of freedom is dimming with each passing day, and, eventually, I'll be left in the darkness holding onto a cut string of false hope. I squeeze my eyes shut and bend forward while shedding an endless amount of salty tears.

I bring my knees up slowly to my chest and wince at the pain between my legs as I do so. It seemed like no matter how small a movement I make, pain would flare up in multiple places. I try to think of pleasant things, but only end up worrying about the family I left behind. I miss them most of all. Dad and Y/N...

'I wonder how they're holding up?' I nearly crack a smile, knowing how dad would stop at nothing until I was found, and poor, sweet Y/N. She's probably clueless about the whole ordeal, or, at least, I hope she is. She's a good girl, very kind and caring with such a love for fun and games. I want to play with her again one day just to see that smile on her face as her eyes light up in happiness. I wonder, will I ever feel such joy again after this experience?