046: "Do You Still Love Her?"

(ANASTASIA'S POINT OF VIEW)

I did not notice when I became numb from crying, or when I stopped crying whenever the whip passed across my back, or when my body finally gave out and I collapsed on the floor, with little puddles of blood forming around me.

As I lay on the floor, every sound that came to my ears was distant and fading, and the world around me blurred, but then I felt it, the feeling of warm and gentle hands lifting me off the floor after untying my hands and holding me to his chest, and with the last inhale of his addictive cologne, I finally gave in the darkness.

*~*

The next time I opened my eyes, I was met with unfamiliarity. I blinked at the sheets since my face was pressed against the mattress.

I tried to turn but was met with pain that made me wish I was dead, but I managed to sit on my ass and scan my surroundings with my lazy gaze.

I was surrounded by the painted grey walls of a cozy bedroom with a large bed in the center. On my right were shelves with books an