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 picked up a silver spoon and stirred the tea, the clinking sound echoing in the small room. "I’m not keeping you prisoner, Elias. I’m keeping you safe . Don't you see? You're the only thing in this world that belongs entirely to me. And I’m never, ever letting go." RJ431484.mp3
The door creaked open. High-heeled footsteps tapped across the hardwood—precise, confident, and terrifyingly familiar. The rain hammered against the windowpane of the
"You’re awake," Sarah whispered, placing a tray of steaming tea and honey cakes on the nightstand. She looked radiant, her eyes wide and shining with a light that didn't quite reach the rest of her face. "I was worried you’d sleep through the storm." She picked up a silver spoon and stirred