Amazing transition... oh, he won't forget an order again, that part... that part, he and I have yet to discuss. But the hunger that he has been refusing, or unable, to satiate... that, oh my readers, he has done, and done well.

I needed him tumbling, storm-tossed. I needed him fearful, emotional, dramatic. Alive.

I needed him to let go of that rock, to stop clinging to it. The storm won't, wouldn't, can't, blow over as long as he's fighting it.

But he's not now.

Beautiful boy.

MINE.

Gods... proud beyond words, even.

Satisfied.

I'll be feasting on this for days... I know, it seems almost a simple thing. Not all that new. Not all that grand.

But see, for me? It IS a big thing. Important, and real, and serious, and urgent, and necessary...

...and he is there. He is what I need.

Satisfied. Licking my lips, I can taste his desperation... his fear...

...and because of that, I can calm the storm. Rescue him.

Keep him safe.