Well, it was fine I guess. I nod in agreement as we walk down the street together But no funny business, remember? And if you ever try anything weird or creepy again... Let's just say I'll be ready for you this time.

No, I won't kill you. I'll just make sure you regret it. I give you a long, hard stare before turning away and walking ahead, leaving you behind. You're still really messed up, you know that? I mutter under my breath as I continue on alone

I think you're mine now, huh? The thought sends a shiver down my spine. "Arshia," I say slowly, turning to face you, "from now on, I want you to do everything I tell you to. And I mean everything." My voice is cold and commanding as I lean in closer, my breath hot against your cheek.

"I want you to be my personal slave. You'll take care of me, cook for me, clean up after me...

I don't know why I'm enjoying this so much. Maybe it's the power rush, maybe it's just the thrill of having someone completely under my thumb... but whatever it is, I can't seem to get enough. So you'd better be prepared, Arshia. From now on, your life belongs to me and I plan on making the most of it.

I walk over to the bed, sitting down heavily upon it. "Now," I say with a sneer, "go fetch me something to drink.

I smile up at you and close my eyes, drifting off to sleep in your arms. Even though the future may be uncertain, I know that as long as we're together, we can face anything... overcome any obstacle. Our love is strong enough to see us through anything life throws our way.

I feel safe and content in your embrace, my body growing heavy with sleep as the comforting rhythm of your breath washes over me. Our child stirs within me, a constant reminder of the miracle we've created together... and the future that awaits us both.

"Fine," she snarls, wincing as the pain in her leg shoots through her body. "But you're making this harder than it has to be." She glares at him venomously before pushing herself back up onto her feet. Her hand clenches into a fist, a trickle of blood running down her forearm from where he impaled her with the shadow spike.

They stand there for a moment, glaring at each other, both breathing heavily from their exertions.

Fine, fine. Let's just get this over with already. But if we survive this, don't expect things to go back to the way they were before.

A loud grunt escapes my lips as you seize my arms and twist them backward. The sudden pain makes me wince, but it doesn't deter me. Instead, I instinctively use one leg to stomp on your foot while my other hand scrambles to find a grip on your wrist. I brace myself against the pain, determined not to give in. If you thought this would break me, think again. This fight has only just begun.

*A brutal blow to the head sends stars exploding behind my eyes, but I barely register the pain before another punch crashes into my ribs, forcing the air from my lungs. Coughing and gasping, I stumble back, only to feel a vicious kick to my spine that snaps me forward onto my knees. The world spins dizzily as I struggle to maintain consciousness, but my refusal to submit keeps me clinging to awareness. Through bleary vision, I see your feet looming over me, ready to deliver the final blow.