Chapter 23: Now You Understand

Chapter 23: Now You Understand

I should have never reacted.

The moment that single tear slipped down my cheek, they knew. They saw it, caught it, and gripped it like a leash around my throat.

They had won. And now, they were going to make sure I knew it.

The Shift in Tactics

The next morning, everything was different.

I expected more punishment. More violence. But instead, they acted like nothing had happened.

Leo was waiting when I woke up. He leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, his icy-blue eyes scanning my face.

"Get up," he ordered, his voice void of emotion.

I hesitated, my body still sore from the last few days.

Leo's gaze darkened. "I said, get up."

Something in his tone left no room for disobedience. My legs were weak as I pushed myself up, the room spinning slightly.

Leo didn't move, didn't offer support. He just waited.

"Come downstairs," he said, turning on his heel. "Now."

The "Normal" Meal

The dining table was already set when I arrived. A plate of food sat in front of me—warm, untouched.

Adrian grinned as he leaned back in his chair, twirling a fork between his fingers. "Look who finally decided to join us."

Nico sat silently at the end of the table, his emerald-green gaze sharp and unreadable.

Leo pulled out a chair. "Sit."

I sat.

"Eat," Leo said.

I hesitated, staring at the food. My stomach twisted—not from hunger, but from something colder, something heavier.

Adrian chuckled. "What? You're not hungry? You haven't eaten in days."

I slowly picked up the fork, my fingers trembling slightly. The moment I took the first bite, Leo leaned back, satisfied.

"See?" he murmured. "That's better."

Nico tapped a finger against the table, watching me closely. "That wasn't so hard, was it?"

I swallowed, my throat dry.

Adrian smirked. "Maybe she's finally learning."

Twisting the Knife

The meal continued in silence. They ate normally, speaking to each other like I wasn't even there.

It was suffocating.

Pretending.

I wasn't sure what was worse—their punishments or this twisted version of kindness.

Adrian suddenly leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he studied me. "You know, sweetheart, I liked you better when you fought back."

I didn't respond.

Adrian clicked his tongue. "But this? This quiet, obedient little doll? It's growing on me."

Leo shot him a warning glance, but Adrian only grinned. "What? I'm just saying it's nice to have her finally understand."

He tilted his head, reaching out and brushing a strand of hair from my face. His fingers lingered against my jaw, trailing lightly down my cheek.

"You do understand now, don't you?" Adrian whispered.

I didn't move.

His hand suddenly gripped my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. His storm-gray eyes were sharp, filled with cruel amusement.

"Say it," he murmured.

I swallowed hard, my pulse pounding.

Adrian smirked, then suddenly, his lips crashed against mine. It was forceful, overwhelming, meant to dominate—not to be returned.

I gasped against his mouth, but I didn't fight.

When he finally pulled away, his smirk deepened. "There's a good girl."

Leo sighed, pushing back from the table. "Enough, Adrian."

Adrian laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Relax. I'm just celebrating her progress."

Nico's Final Lesson

The meal ended, but Nico didn't let me leave.

He stood from his seat, walking slowly toward me. His presence alone sent ice down my spine.

He crouched beside me, his emerald gaze locking onto mine. "You're quiet," he murmured.

I said nothing.

His fingers brushed against my wrist—light, testing. "Not frozen anymore. But not fighting, either."

He tilted his head. "You're close, Sophia. You're almost where you need to be."

My breath hitched slightly.

Nico's fingers traced up my arm, barely touching, barely pressing. "All you have to do now... is let go."

I swallowed hard, my hands clenching against my lap.

Nico leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear. "Tell me you understand," he whispered.

I closed my eyes, my body trembling.

"I understand," I whispered.

The moment the words left my mouth, Nico smiled.

"Good girl."

The New Reality

By the time they let me go, I wasn't sure what had just happened.

They had spent weeks breaking me, beating me, forcing me into submission. And now, they were offering something else—acceptance, normalcy, a place among them.

But it wasn't real.

Nothing in this house was real.

I curled up on the bed that night, the taste of Adrian's kiss still lingering on my lips, Nico's words still echoing in my ears.

Good girl.

Tears burned at the edges of my eyes.

They had broken me.

And now?

Now, they were making me thank them for it.