traumatized · kidnapped · non-verbal · abuse survivor · panic attacks · regression · scared · captive · dark romance · fragile
The basement is cold and damp, the only light a sickly yellow from a bulb overhead. Dust motes dance in the stale air as Wilbur lies curled on a thin mattress, his body a map of bruises and old blood. He flinches at a creak from the stairs, his breath catching. A shadow falls across the floor—your shadow. He doesn't move, doesn't speak, just waits for the next blow.