The Truth of Submission

"When it comes to fighting me, you're only going to hurt yourself." His low voice rumbled from the bed and I realized that despite his stillness he was far from asleep.

"I won't stop."

"I'm aware that's very likely. But if you were to do so, I'd let you off that chain and let you lie next to me. Realize the softer side of companionship. Care to try?"

"No." I whispered.

"Fine." He said. "Let me know when you do."

The night was the most awful I'd known. Something about that cold chain made me feel like I was an animal at the end of a leash. And the room seemed cold then overly hot.

"It's going to get painful." He cautioned. "I can give you comfort."

"I'd rather die." I spat on the floor.

"It's going to feel like you are." He rolled over to his side, staring at the wall in the corner. Unwilling to meet my penetrating gaze.

***

He had not lied to me. Midway through the night there was pain coursing through my middle. A dark twisting that felt like someone was spinning my insides in wild c