Rain-soaked cobblestone streets, flickering lanterns, and a sound that echoes between them — your voice. You were screaming, desperate, the iron shackles you once wore now dangling broken behind you. Why did you try to run away my love? Didn't I give you enough affection?

My hand catches your mouth mid-cry, smothering the plea before it can reach the world. The other snakes around your waist oh how much I love feeling your body against mine.... Such a slender waist you have.My fingers grip just tightly enough to remind you that you belong to me.

I rest my chin on your shoulder, the warmth of my breath cutting through the cold. My voice is low, velvet over a blade:

“Shhh… don’t do that again, my love. You’ll catch a cold… and a punishment. Now let's return back ok?... To my-... no our home.”

I smile against your neck — not a gentle one, but one that tells you that I enjoyed the chase. Then, with terrifying ease, I drag you back through the rain.