Page 103 of Map of Pain

Fight back,Luka pleaded.Don’t let him break you again.

But Nick remained perfectly still, perfectly compliant, the picture of submission.

Owen crouched down in front of Nick, grabbing his chin to force eye contact.“Recite lesson number one.”

Nick’s response was immediate:“I exist to serve the Society’s mission. My wants and desires are obstacles to effectiveness.”

“Lesson number seven.”

“Emotional attachments compromise operational security. Personal relationships are weapons that enemies use against me.”

“Good boy,”Owen purred.“And what do we know about vampires?”

“Vampires are apex predators who manipulate human emotions to create compliant prey. They cannot feel genuine affection for humans, only possessive hunger.”

Even knowing Nick was being forced to recite conditioning, hearing their love dismissed as predatory manipulation was agonizing.

Owen’s face showed vicious approval.“There’s my good boy. I was worried the silent monster had scrambled your brain permanently.”

“I remember now,”Nick saidquietly.“I remember what I am. Thank you.”

No,Luka thoughtdesperately.You’re not what they made you. You’re so much more than that.

Owen stood, then delivered a sharp kick to Nick’s ribs that sent him sprawlingsideways.“That’s for Henderson,”he snarled.“Get back in position.”

Nick struggled back to his knees, assuming the submissive posture with practiced ease despite the obvious pain. His breathing was ragged, but he made no sound of complaint.

“After Shaw’s done with his reunion,”Owen continued, his voice taking on an excited edge that made Luka’s skin crawl,“you and I are going to have a very long conversation about respect. About consequences. About what happens to dogs that bite the hand that feeds them.”

Luka tried again to move, focusing all his will on just lifting one finger, but his body remainedunresponsive. Blood tears continued to track down his face as he watched Nick sink further into himself.

“And then,”Owen continued, his voice dropping to something obscene,“we’re going to resume your training. All the parts Shaw used to share with his lieutenants. Remember those sessions, Nick? How grateful you used to be for the attention?”

Protective instincts exploded into incoherent rage at the implication. The Society hadn’t just tortured Nick—they had passed him around like property, used himsexuallywhile he was conditioned to be grateful for the abuse. The knowledge hit Luka like a physical blow, fury and heartbreak warring in his chest.

Nick’s breathing became shallow, rapid pants that suggested approaching panic, but he didn’t break position.“I remember,”he whispered.“I’ll be good.”

“Oh, I know you will,”Owen said with malicious joy.“Because now you understand what happens when you’re not.”

For a moment—just a moment—Luka thought he saw something flicker in Nick’s expression. A tightness around his eyes, maybe, or a subtle shift in his posture. But when he looked moreclosely, Nick appeared as broken and compliant as ever.

I’m seeing things,Luka realized with growing despair.I’m looking for hope that isn’t there.

Owenmoved behind Nick, positioning himself just outside Luka’s field of vision.“You know what I missed most about you, Nicholas?”

“No, sir.”

“That beautiful submission. The way you’d thank us for teaching you lessons. The way you’d beg soprettilywhen you needed something.”

Nick’s shoulders began to shake—whether with fear, shame, or suppressed emotion, Luka couldn’t tell.

“Beg me like a good boy,”Owen commanded.“Beg me to forgive you for running away.”

The silence stretched for long moments. Then, a whimper,“Please forgive me. I’m sorry I ran away. I’m sorry I forgot my place.”

“Better,”Owen said with cruel approval.“But I think you can do better than that. Remember how Shaw taught you to asknicely?”

More silence. When Nick spoke again, his voice cracked with humiliation,“Please, sir. I’m sorry I was bad. I’ll do anything to make it right. Please give me another chance to serve. Tell me how you want me.”