He looked at the collar first. Still around her neck. His jaw tightened.
She saw him reach for it, then stop. Remember the rules. The collar stays.
It was part of her now. Part of Dante's control.
"Can you breathe?" he asked. Clinical. Checking for medical necessity, not comfort.
She nodded. Her throat was raw but she could breathe. Barely.
"Good." He looked away. Started gathering supplies. "I need to... I have to do what he ordered."
"Atlas—"
"Lie back." He wouldn't meet her eyes. "We have to... I have to do what he ordered."
"I know."
"I'm sorry."
"I know that too."
He positioned himself between her legs.
But this time was different. This time she was conscious. Aware. Able to see his face, his eyes, his shame.
"Close your eyes," he whispered. "Please. Just close your eyes
