I took my time and cleaned everything very carefully because as soon as I was done, he would tie my hands again. At mealtime, he would untie me so tha...t I could cook, and then clean the dishes afterward. He had a telephone, but he always unplugged it and locked it away when he left the apartment. During the days, I was bound and gagged so tightly that I couldn't move or scream for help. He kept me there for about four years. One day he told me that he had been transferred and that he couldn't. The committee report urged that offsite soirees for senior students with pledge contributors be discontinued. Public displays outside safety and security of the guarded facility were too risky. Pledge contributors had new options: individual or small group rendezvous with volunteer seniors at the post-graduate facility, small group gatherings with other pledge contributors and graduates, attendance at Academy sponsored events like the senior banquet. The post-graduate banquet event would be. The small hard weight of Nana’s locket was hot against my cold skin. I tuned out the insults, turning off my ears so they stopped hearing sounds. I reached up with both hands to press the locket firmly against my skin, driving its warmth into me. The warmth penetrated straight into my heart and I felt this desperate need to stand up straight. I pushed myself up, lifting my head up, straightening my spine. The only noise I could hear was the unnaturally loud beating of my heart. They were still. It was one of the more infuriating traits he had. He almost never showed any sort of emotion. Anger, hate, love. Nothing. Tarifa and Aihola knew practically nothing about him, and he never gave them a window into that part of him.What did you mean then Dekton? Aihola asked as she sent a soft reprimand of her love through the bond they shared.There are elves you trust in these cities yes?Of course. Tarifa answered. They have been friends of my family for centuries.Everyone is a potential.