Kidnapper's POV-
Anxiety won't stop clawing at my head.
My leg's been bouncing nonstop.
And here I am—just sitting. Watching her sleep.
God… she's beautiful.
That long, wavy hair. Dark chocolate, down to her shoulders.
And her eyes—I know the exact color. Deep green. Almost black indoors, but under sunlight?
They glow.
They sparkle.
It's like she becomes someone else entirely.
Like she's got two faces. Two versions of herself.
That's what I love about you.
That's why I built this room.
Special. Just for you.
So you can finally be mine. Only mine.
I reach toward her, wanting to touch her cheek—
But I freeze. My hand hovers in the air for too long.
Would you hate me… for this?
I love you so much.
Please—don't hate me.
Then she shifts. Just a twitch.
She's waking.
I yank my hand back and slip into the corner—the one the glowing stars don't reach.
Darkness swallows me. I watch her from there.
She stirs. Blinks. Looks around.
Her face—so confused. Her brows pulled in like she's trying to solve a puzzle in her sleep.
Poor thing.
Should I help you? Should I come soothe you? Put you back to sleep, where it's safe?
She looks up—perfect.
I move fast. My hand over her face before she can react.
God, I'm smiling again. I can't stop grinning.
But not now. Not yet.
She needs time.
"Shh… you're tired. Go to sleep. You'll feel better… when you're ready to wake up."
She tenses. I feel her fist clench under the blanket.
She's scared. So scared.
But she's quiet.
That's good. That's progress.
I start to hum. A song just for her.
Soft. Gentle.
I want her to feel loved.
She will love me.
She has to.
By the time I finish the lullaby, she's gone again.
I crouch beside the bed and rest my head near hers, just close enough to see her sleeping face.
You're so beautiful like this.
Peaceful. Fragile.
I'm sorry.
I really am.
But this is the only way.
I need to break your mind.
Only then will you understand.
Only then can we begin.
I kiss her forehead gently, pick up the chair, and reach into my pocket.
The cold key is still there.
I unlock the door.
Before I leave, I glance back.
She hasn't moved.
I smile.
"Bye-bye. See you later."
The door shuts.
Locks.