Chapter 4

The night was a blur of horror and confusion for Benji, his mind reeling from the traumatic events he had endured. As he drifted in and out of consciousness, flashes of Eric's cruel actions and the lifeless body in the room haunted his dreams.

When Benji awoke the next day, the reality of his situation hit him like a ton of bricks. He found himself in unfamiliar clothes, the memories of the previous night flooding back with a sickening clarity. Eric was there, cleaning the floor with a detached efficiency that sent shivers down Benji's spine.

As Eric glanced in his direction, Benji felt a wave of apprehension wash over him. What would happen now? Would Eric unleash more violence upon him, or was there a chance for escape?

"It looks like you're weaker today," Eric remarked casually, his tone devoid of any empathy.

Benji remained silent, his throat constricted with fear. He couldn't bring himself to speak, couldn't find the words to express the terror that gripped his soul.

Sensing Benji's unease, Eric approached him with an unsettling calmness. "Are you hungry?" he asked, his voice almost taunting.

Benji's mind raced as he weighed his options. Should he comply with Eric's demands, or would that only prolong his suffering? But the pain in his ankle reminded him of his vulnerability, of the power Eric held over him.

Unable to muster a response, Benji could only stare at Eric, his eyes betraying the turmoil within. He felt like a trapped animal, cornered by a predator from which there was no escape.

Eric's gaze bore into him, a silent challenge that Benji couldn't bring himself to meet. The silence stretched between them, thick with tension and unspoken threats.

Finally, with a resigned sigh, Benji nodded hesitantly, his heart heavy with defeat. It was a small concession, but one that he hoped would buy him some reprieve from Eric's cruelty.

Satisfied with Benji's compliance, Eric turned away, his movements deliberate and calculated. "Good," he said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Now, let's take care of that ankle of yours."

Benji flinched as Eric approached him once again, his hands trembling with fear. He knew what was coming next, knew that he would have to endure more pain and humiliation at Eric's hands.

As Eric began to bandage his ankle, Benji gritted his teeth against the searing pain. Each touch was a reminder of his helplessness, of the monstrous reality he now found himself trapped in.

But as the bandage was secured in place, Benji felt a flicker of hope stir within him. Perhaps there was a chance for escape, a way to break free from Eric's control and reclaim his life.

As he glanced up at Eric, Benji made a silent vow to himself. He would bide his time, wait for the perfect moment to make his move. Until then, he would play the obedient captive, hiding his true strength and resilience beneath a facade of submission.

With a steely determination burning in his eyes, Benji braced himself for the trials that lay ahead. He may have been broken and battered, but he refused to let Eric's cruelty extinguish the fire within him.