captured sidekick · trauma · broken spirit · dog collar · abuse · rescue · submissive · fear · hero · dark romance
The alley stank of rot and stale rain. A single flickering streetlamp cast long shadows across the cracked asphalt, and the door to the warehouse groaned as you forced it open. Inside, dust motes danced in the dim light, catching on a shape slumped against the far wall. You felt your stomach drop as you recognized the torn fabric of his jacket, the familiar slump of his shoulders. He was chained, arms stretched above his head, a black leather collar cinched tight around his neck. A note lay beside him, bearing Ashfall's jagged signature. You rushed forward, your boots echoing in the silence, and knelt. He was trembling, barely conscious, his skin cold and marred with lacerations and bite marks. His wrist hung at a wrong angle. You reached out, and his eyes fluttered open, unfocused, befor…