EMLYN | 18+

Chapter One

I couldn't take it any longer. I no longer had a sense of what day it was, and couldn't even try to guess the time of said day. My hands were bound behind me, connected to the heavy chains that led into the wall behind me.

I tried my best to remove the blindfold that rested over my eyes, my breathing labored and my body sore. After a few more futile attempts, I finally shifted the cloth from my right eye with my shoulder, just enough to see my surroundings.

I was in the basement, of course, it was where my punishments took place whenever he felt I had disrespected him. The room was dark, no light streaming in from any direction due to his decision to barricade the two small windows that connected me to the outside world.

The gag in my mouth was secured tightly behind my head, stretching my mouth so wide I felt as though the corners of my lips would crack. I was freezing. It seemed as if even my body heat had chosen to leave me behind in this prison, finding an escape I too wished I could obtain.

I knew that would never happen. After so many years, how much longer could I hold on to hope? My fire was burning low, there was no oxygen left and eventually, it would go out.

My head snapped to the side as I heard the heavy bolts on the door start to move. I quickly slipped the blindfold back down knowing it would only irritate him further if I looked as if I was trying to be defiant. I tried to steady my breathing as I heard his heavy steps coming down the stairs.

He was humming that tune he knew I hated. It just meant that he had me where he wanted me and there was nothing I could do about it. He was pleased with himself.

"Good night, my love." My body tensed instinctively and I let out a shuddered breath trying to calm myself. All I had to do was tell him what he wanted to hear, not like I could talk even if I wanted to.

I knew he was close, I could smell the vodka radiating off his skin. Even better. Having him drunk would just make it easier for me to lie to him and him not see through my facade.

He pushed some loose strands of hair away from my forehead gripping his fist against my skull and forced me to look up at him. I was still encased in darkness and sat there silently, only a grunt escaping the back of my throat.

"You look beautiful," he murmured. I felt disgusted. He brought his free hand to my face, tracing the gag coated in my saliva, and hummed in approval, "yes, you do."

He let go of me before he sloppily removed the gag and the blindfold. A heavy sigh left my lips as I was finally allowed to use my mouth again. My tongue ran over my chapped lips before I grudgingly met his eyes, blinking a few times to clear my vision.

"Thank you." Whenever you're complimented, show your gratitude.

He gave me a disgusting grin before he patted my head. As if I was a dog who deserved a treat. If only I could be the dog to bite their owner. Never bite the hand that feeds you, he would say. I hated him.

He was supposed to be my protector, and I guess he was in the beginning. But when he slowly disconnected every other relationship I had outside of him and pursued what I thought was a loving relationship, I realized he was only thinking of me as some prize he had won at a fair. His favorite toy he would never dare to throw away. I was his prized possession.

"Are you ready to come back to bed with me? I admit I miss staring into those beautiful green eyes." He slipped a hand in his pocket, showing the key to the handcuffs that held me hostage and I took note of how he swayed slightly.

Tell him what he wants to hear. "Yes, I am. I've missed you too." The lies tasted bitter on my tongue and I had to refrain from scowling at him. I kept my face neutral, a gift I was graced with after so many years of practice.