After an all-night walk, Allan had brought her to an apartment. Althea had no idea where they were or what she would do. There was nothing she could do as long as he was observable, observing all her actions.

"All right, my sweet little mate," Allan says for the first time since they got home. Althea raises her tired eyes at him. In a dark moment, he sings, "Now you should listen to me," he said as she looks up to see him smirking at her.

He snatches her arm as she whimpers, "See these marks?" he asks, pointing to her scars. She gives a slow nod. "That means I...