She leaned in closer, her breath warm against his ear. "Outside, the world is loud and cruel. People take from you. They exhaust you. But here? Here, I provide everything. Your favorite meals, your favorite books... and me. Always me."
She pressed a cold, lingering kiss to his forehead, her eyes reflecting the lightning from the window. "Drink your tea, dear. We have all the time in the world." RJ431484.mp3
The rain hammered against the windowpane of the attic bedroom, a rhythmic drumming that usually brought Elias peace. Today, it felt like a countdown. He tried to shift in his seat, but the soft click of the heavy brass padlock on his door reminded him he wasn't going anywhere. She leaned in closer, her breath warm against his ear