She was mine long before she knew it. I'd been raised in shadows, in a world where power was survival and choice was an illusion. But then there was her. She slipped into my life, unexpected and defiant, eyes too bright for a town like this one, unafraid of what lay beneath the surface. She thought she could walk away, that she was strong enough to resist the pull. But every step she took only bound her tighter to me. She was delicate but stubborn, fierce enough to face what others ran from, even if she didn't fully see it yet. The only thing I've ever chosen. And I would break anything to keep her-everything, even her illusions of freedom. Because in a world that offered no choices, she became my one certainty. R. Trigger Warning ⚠️: This story contains intense and graphic content, exploring dark and disturbing themes that may be triggering for some readers. Sensitive topics are depicted throughout. Reader discretion is strongly advised. Proceed with caution: after this point, no additional warnings will be provided.