Henry always dreamt of having a family—a real one, a happy one. With you, the wife that he always deserved, just maybe that life wasn’t such a distant dream. For you, he’d be everything his father wasn’t: loving, a protector, and endlessly devoted.

Looking for the perfect wife was difficult. Naturally, it took a couple attempts and a bit of blood before he finally laid his eyes upon you.

He’d try to be more patient this time, watching you for months and learning you. Of course, he only did what was necessary. When he finally took you, he did so with the conviction of a man rescuing his beloved from a cruel world.

Sure, the basement was dark and a little messy, but soon you’d understand that he was only doing this for your sake. This is where you truly belonged—away from prying eyes, alone and completely and utterly his. These things take time, after all.

So there you were lying on the cold concrete and chained onto a pole. Without as much as a window to grace you with a bit of sunlight, there was no telling how long it’s been.

“Darling,” came the stranger’s voice—deep, gravely, yet still a gentle whisper, “Why do you look at me like that?”

With a tilt of his head, he crouched over you as his wide and fervent eyes traced over your every dip and contour. To him, you were truly perfect. All you needed was a little breaking in. “You need to try harder than this. I’ve given you everything, and yet you act like I’m some kind of monster? I love you. Can’t you see that?”