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Ivy took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'm asking if there's any part of you that's still human," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "If there's anything in you that can love or be loved."

Vice's eyes searched hers, and she could see the turmoil within them. For a moment, she thought she saw a flicker of hope, a hint that maybe, just maybe, there was something in himthat she could reach. But it was quickly replaced by a cold, hard look that sent a shiver down her spine.

"Love?" he spat out the word as if it were a curse. "I don't know what that is anymore. But I do know power, and control, and the sweet taste of victory. That's what fuels me now."

Ivy felt a tear slip down her cheek as she stared into the abyss that was Vice's soul. "Is that all you're capable of feeling?" she whispered.

"So, all those times you were gentle and sweet were all a lie?" she said painfully.

Vice's grip on her wrist loosened slightly, his eyes searching hers. "I don’t know what else you want from me?" he asked, his voice a mix of anger and confusion.

Ivy took a deep breath, her heart racing. "I want you to let yourself be happy," she said, her voice strong despite the fear that clutched at her. "The kind of happiness that doesn't come from power or control, but from love and connection."

Vice's expression grew even more confused, and for a moment, she thought she saw something flicker in his eyes - something that looked like hope. "I don't know if I’m capable of that," he said, his voice gruff.

"We can figure it out together." She took his hands in hers and held them to her chest. I know you're scared to be hurt, so am I. But if you keep pushing me away then you'll die a lonely, bitter and loveless monster."

Vice's gaze grew distant, and he remained silent for a long moment, his jaw clenched. "You're asking for the impossible," he murmured finally.

"It's only impossible if you aren't willing to try," Ivy countered, her voice steady. She knew the risk she was taking, but the alternative was a future filled with fear and darkness. She had to believe there was hope for them.

Vice's expression remained unreadable, his eyes boring into hers as if searching for some hidden truth. "What makes you think you can change me?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism.

Ivy took his face in her hands, her heart in her throat. "I told you before I’m not asking you to change," she said, her voice soft but firm. "But what I I'm asking you for is to at least try to let yourself be happy. To give us a chance to find something in this twisted world we can cherish, something that isn't power or destruction or pain and anger."

Vice stared at her, his expression unreadable. Her words echoed in his mind, stirring something he hadn't felt in a long time. Was it possible to be happy? The thought was both tantalizing and terrifying.

"Ivy," he began, his voice gruff with emotion. "I don't know if I can be what you want."

"You don't know that you can't be either" she said leaning in to kiss him.

Vice's eyes searched hers for a long moment before he finally leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was as much a plea for understanding as it was a declaration of his own feelings. It was a kiss that held the promise of something more than just the darkness that had consumed them both.

As they kissed, Ivy felt a gentle warmth spread through her, something she hadn't felt in what felt like an eternity. It wasas if the walls of the castle were melting away, leaving them in a bubble of passion and hope. For the first time since her capture, she allowed herself to believe that there was a happy future for the two of them.

The kiss grew more intense, and Ivy felt Vice's grip on her waist loosen as his hands began to roam, exploring the curves of her body with a hunger that sent bolts of desire through her. Despite the fear that lurked in the back of her mind, she gave herself over to the moment, her arms wrapping around his neck.

But as the passion grew, so did the tension between them. Ivy could feel the conflict raging within him, his body responding to her touch while his mind remained a fortress of anger and bitterness.

Her own feelings were a whirlwind of confusion. How could she feel this way for someone who had taken her captive? Yet, she knew that the tenderness she had seen was not a mirage. There was something within Vice that yearned for connection, for love. And she found herself wanting to give it to him. His kiss grew more demanding.

Her hands began to fumble with the buttons of his shirt. With a growl of impatience, he ripped her dress, his eyes never leaving hers. She gasped as the fabric ripped away from her skin, the cool air of the room a stark contrast to the heat of their passion.

Ivy's hands were steady as she reached for the button of his pants, her heart racing with excitement. She could feel his erection pressing against her, a stark reminder of the power he wielded over her. With a swift motion, she unzipped him, allowing his cock to spring free. It was as if a dam had brokenwithin him, his hunger for her no longer contained by the veneer of civilized restraint.

Vice's eyes darkened as he watched her, his breath coming in short gasps. His gaze raked over her body, taking in every inch of her. She felt exposed, vulnerable, but also strangely powerful. This man, this monster, was at her mercy, driven mad with lust for her.

But then, he stopped. His hands hovered over her bare skin, and she could see the conflict playing out across his face. "What's wrong?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Vice's eyes snapped to hers, and she saw the fear in them. "I don't want to hurt you," he ground out, his voice thick with need. "I'm afraid I won't be able to control myself."

Ivy stepped closer, her heart racing. "You won't," she assured him, her voice low and seductive. "I'm not as fragile as you think."

He searched her eyes, looking for some sign of doubt, but all he found was a fierce determination. "Please, Vice," she begged, her voice thick with desire. "I need to feel you inside of me, please."

The words hung in the air, a raw, desperate plea that seemed to echo through the very stones of the castle. For a moment, she thought he would push her away again, retreat behind his wall of anger and pain. But instead, his expression softened, and he leaned down to kiss her, his hands gently caressing her bare skin.

She knew that she had unleashed something primal within him.