The darkness of the eerie night was broken by the flicker of a candle. Distantly she recognised it in the corner of her eyes, noticing the way it wavered even though there was no wind to blow at it. Save her breath. The dull warmth of it near her told her how close she was to the flame. She didn’t desire to be any closer. Knees folded beneath her, head bowed patiently. Breath halted, painful at this angling of the throat. Leather collar, tightened under her jaw. Hands palm up in her lap, metal circles binding her wrists together. Palms glistened in the firelight, crystalline pools welling in her hands, seeping through the creases of individuality, seeping through her fingers. The same wet trails tickled her cheek and jaw, running from downcast eyes, clinging to eyelashes before being blinked free. She didn’t want this. Not now. Deep breath in, chest rising. The sound of strain as her lungs screamed to be filled, and her throat closed against the collar. Exhale. The candle light flickers, splutters and dies. The scent of smoke, wisping into her mouth, stinging her eyes. The wet tickle of tears.