RUBY
The moment the door clicked shut behind Ethan, the sterile quiet of the infirmary became deafening. I stared at the empty space where he’d stood, my pulse still echoing with his last words: You can hate me all you want. At least you will be safe.
Safe. The word twisted like a knife, the tears that I had held back finally broke free, silent and scalding. Nothing about everything here feels like safety. In this world, freedom meant confinement. I can't believe I was freed from one madman only to be claimed by another, more powerful one who cloaked his frightening power in restraint. His calm voice was more dangerous than Duncan's rage, promising me safety while stripping me of every choice.
The sheer frustration of my helplessness was immense. I tried to shift, attempting to lever
