Adult Content Warning
This work could have adult content. If you continue, you have agreed that you are willing to see such content.
-
Tags
Summary
Ominous red light pours through the room, slanting in through high, narrow windows and reflecting off the dark chains that hang from the ceiling. Pete's shoulders ache from the harsh angle of his arms, cuffed around the concrete pillar at his back. His body hangs forward, bruised and exhausted. The metal is digging into his wrists.
When Pete was eight, his grandmother had taught him how to kindle a fire. Building a nest of soft wood shavings and twigs, lighting the spark, giving the fire your breath. Then slowly, slowly adding more wood, careful not to smother the flame. Fire needed air; it would die if it was covered, hidden.
Pete didn't want to die.
Eight-year-old Pete had wanted to touch the fire.
***
Or, Pete knows he's looking for trouble when he infiltrates the minor family compound.