but how, when i could harm her too?
"hold still," she commands
voice like silk
like starlight
obey without thought
would obey anything she asks
even this
her fingers work through tangles in my hair
touch gentle
always gentle
no one has ever touched with gentleness
only pain
only purpose
only orders
but she touches like i am worth something
like i am more than weapon
more than beast
more than monster
purr builds in chest without permission
cannot help response to her touch
to her scent
even through stinging flower soap smell
can still catch sweetness beneath
like moonflowers
like night air
like home
she smiles up at me
violet eyes bright
"There," she says. "Much better."
i want to speak