A taste and then it was gone. Lydia sacrificed her body and her very sanity, surrendering her freedom to protect those she loves. Within the grasp of the evil she fought to escape, she risks losing all that she is in order to spare herself endless suffering. Death would be mercy.
Death would make her sacrifice meaningless.
Cyrus is more than willing to play with his old toys, leaving Lydia with no choice but to endure his twisted games. His kindness is worse than his cruelty, warping everything she once believed. When the only salvation is in the arms of her tormentor, her cage becomes a welcome place to hide.
Love isn’t to be trusted. But the chains will hold her, strong and sure. Agony becomes the sweetest relief.
Pain is a language she understands.
“Sometimes I almost wish I didn’t want to hurt you so much. But just almost. You’re most beautiful when you’re fighting to stay alive. I want to keep you this beautiful forever.” ~Cyrus