"Yes," Laurent answered, with a self-loathing little laugh.

Clenching his fist, Laurent walked away, returning to his room.

His heart ached with loneliness and despair. At best, he could hope to be hated and left alone by his jailer. At worst, the monster would make good on his threats, or find a way to seek some new entertainment from him.

Exhausted, he stripped down and curled into his bed, lying there sleeplessly for hours.