The sun floated above the treetops in a lazy manner, casting long shadows. It was a beautiful day, but one I couldn't enjoy. My pale skin craved the touch of the sun, but every time I got close to the window, my eyes stung, and Quill would pull me away.

I hadn't been outside in what felt like years, though in reality, it was only three months since I ran away from home.

Quill had been waiting for me, a secret I thought was mine, but now I felt like I was his. My boyfriend had said my parents were still looking for me, that it wasn't safe outside. I believed him, yet a part of me wanted to rebel. I wanted a life. Not having one was why I left my abusive parents in the first place. I hadn't realized then that I'd left one captor for another, but as the weeks progressed, I did.

“Get away from the window, lemon drop,” Quill ordered gently, grabbing my wrist and pulling me back. He never used my real name, but then again, neither did I. Being called Ruin wasn't fun. His nicknames no longer felt fun either; they felt derogatory, like he saw me as nothing but an object. I wasn't his to own, yet I couldn't break free.