Page 18 of Discordant Cultivation

“That’s my good boy,” Vale said, and the approval in his voice turned Kieran’s stomach. “See how much better you feel when you’re not fighting me?”

Vale released the pressure on his throat, and Kieran gasped with a noise that sounded too much like a sob. Blood flow returned to his brain, leaving him dizzy and disoriented.

“What...” Kieran’s voice came out wrecked, throat aching. “What did you do...”

“Anxiety management. Very effective when applied correctly.” Vale released his wrists but kept him pinned against the counter with his body. “You were hyperventilating. This helps reset your nervous system.”

Kieran’s hands came up to touch his own throat, checking for damage, trying to understand what had just happened. His skin felt hot where Vale’s fingers had been, and he could still feel the phantom pressure of that controlled grip.

He knows exactly where to press. How long to hold. How much pressure before it’s actually dangerous.

“You’ve done that b-before,” Kieran whispered.

“I’ve studied extensively. Your condition requires a comprehensive understanding.” Vale stepped back, giving Kieran space to breathe. “And now you understand that fighting me is counterproductive.”

Kieran turned around slowly, keeping the counter at his back for support. His legs felt weak, the adrenaline crash mixing with whatever his body had just experienced.

“That’s assault.”

“That’s medical intervention.” Vale picked up one of the coffee mugs and held it out. “Now drink.”

Kieran stared at the offered coffee, at Vale’s calm expression, at the complete lack of remorse in those intelligent eyes. This was calculated. Practiced. Vale knew exactly what he was doing and how Kieran would respond.

This is who I’m dealing with. Someone who studies nervous systems like other people study sheet music.

“I hate you,” Kieran said quietly.

“That’s fine. Hate is better than apathy.” Vale set the mug on the counter when Kieran didn’t take it. “Now. Let’s talk about your schedule.”

“My schedule?”

“Your recovery requires structure. Regular meals, consistent sleep patterns, stress management.” Vale pulled out his phone and opened what looked like a calendar app.

Kieran stared at him, trying to process the casual way Vale was discussing kidnapping like it was a professional development opportunity. “You can’t b-be serious.”

“I’m always serious about talent development.” Vale’s smile was warm. “You have extraordinary potential, Kieran. But you’ve been wasting it on street corners, playing for people who don’t even listen. I’m going to teach you what real artistry requires.”

“I don’t w-want your teaching.”

“Yes, you do. You just don’t know it yet.” Vale moved to the refrigerator and began pulling out ingredients. “You’re going to eat breakfast now. Everything your body needs to stabilize blood sugar and support neurological recovery.”

“Wh-what if I refuse?”

Vale paused, turned to look at him with that patient expression that made Kieran want to scream. “Then I’ll assume your judgment is too impaired for you to make medical decisions, and I’ll have to take more direct measures.”

“Direct measures?”

“Sedation. I have diazepam and several other options that will keep you comfortable and calm while your system recovers. I’d rather not. The cognitive effects can last for days, and that’s not conducive to learning. But if you can’t cooperate with your own care, I’ll have no choice.”

The threat was delivered like a medical consultation, calm and reasonable and absolutely terrifying.

“So my options are comply or be d-drugged unconscious?”

“Your options are to participate in your recovery or be protected from your own poor judgment.” Vale began measuringoats out onto a kitchen scale. “I prefer the first option. You’re much more interesting when you’re conscious.”

Kieran slid down to sit on the kitchen floor, his back against the cabinets as he tried to make sense of his situation. Every door was locked. The phone was dead. His captor had medical knowledge that let him manipulate Kieran’s body like a puppet. And apparently, the plan was to keep him here for “intensive work” on his music career.

This is insane. This is completely insane.