I sigh slowly as I try to boost my inner confidence.
For I am more than the physical vessel Chavo believes he can indelibly reshape to fit his depraved vision. My spirit, my ideals, the unyielding convictions seared into the marrow of my soul through harsh baptisms of fire and blood - these are not ephemeral trappings to be flayed away, but the purest truths driving me onwards.
Even as rough fabric is pressed into my hands and brusque orders bark me to "change out of those rebellious rags", I meet the demeaning instructions with passivity born of smoldering determination rather than capitulation. Let the performances begin as they must to avoid drawing excessive scrutiny or reprisal. For now.
Soon, the hated fineries symbolizing my old life as a defiant flame against Damian's darkness a
