3
I sign the papers with trembling hands. My golden shackle is removed. I sob to myself, feeling worse than I think I’ve ever felt while I was here.
After halfheartedly playing with the puppy, who I name Cerberus, I turn off the lights and fall asleep in my room.
When I wake up, though, I’m not alone. It’s dark and quiet. Monster is there, leaning over my bed, gloating.
“You signed the papers,” he whispers, his voice like silk. “Now you must submit to me.”
“No one said anything about submission,” I say, still sleepy and out of it. I sit up, inching away from him, but he just smiles.
Kneeling on the bed, he grasps my shoulder, digging his fingers into my flesh. “It’s implied. You signed. You gave me the sanctity of your person. I’ll have your submission too.”
Grimacing at the pain hi
