Vicious went out of the room and came back with a tray in his hands. The scent of toasted bread bacon, eggs and something sweet drifted through the room, but Thalia didn't even glance at it.
He set the tray on the small table beside her.
"Breakfast."
She didn't touch it. "Is there poison in there," she said flatly, not bothering to hide her contempt. "I'm sure you'd like to see me dead."
He stared at her in silence for a moment, Water? she did not respond then he gave a half-smile that wasn't kind at all. "What if I do want you dead?" His tone was calm—too calm. "But I wouldn't make it that easy. You should know that by now… I am Vicious."
Her jaw tightened. "You are vile. And wicked."
"Don't worry," he said, almost mockingly. "Drink it. I won't poison you."
"So, what you're saying is… it'll make me feel better, or worse?" she muttered. Still, she took the cup from the tray and set it beside her, untouched. He raised a brow.
"Then I can't say there's no poison in it," he said casually, turning as though to leave.
Thalia's eyes narrowed. She hated the way he twisted everything, how nothing he said gave her peace of mind. After a beat of tense silence, she lifted the cup and drank. Not because she trusted him—but because she refused to let him think she was afraid.
He watched her quietly. "Can I get you anything else?"
"No," she said coldly. "I'm fine."
She tried to stand, but a rush of pain made her wince. Before she could steady herself, he moved instinctively to her side and guided her back to a sitting position. She shoved his hand away, but he didn't flinch.
"Where is Matt?" she demanded. "How is he? Is he dead? What did you do to him?"
Vicious didn't respond. His expression gave nothing away.
"So, it's true?" she snapped. "You killed him? You really have no heart. You're not even going to pretend?"
Still nothing.
"The most important thing for you right now is rest," he finally said. "When you've regained your strength, we'll talk."
She glared at him so fiercely he almost expected her to lunge at him again. "I want to know how he is."
"And I," he replied, turning toward the door, "don't want to talk about that right now."
He left, and the silence he left behind felt heavier than before.
Some time passed before he returned, this time carrying a tray of pancakes. He set it down gently. Thalia eyed him warily.
"Eat," he said.
"You eat it," she retorted. "Sit down and join me."
He shook his head. "It's meant for you."
"I'm not hungry."
"You need your strength," he insisted.
She glared at him, arms crossed. For a long moment they simply stared at one another, neither blinking, neither retreating. Finally, more out of exhaustion than agreement, he picked the pancake and took a bite. Open your mouth I'll feed you, you have wasted time, I'll eat myself thalia said, Vicious stuffed it in her mouth as she was talking and began to feed her.
When she'd finished, she wiped her mouth and set the plate aside.
"Why?" she asked suddenly.
He looked at her. "Why what?"
"Why are you being nice to me?" Her voice trembled, though she fought to keep it steady. "After everything you did… after what happened…"
He said nothing, but his eyes didn't leave her.
"Don't think I'll forgive you," she continued. "Not now. Not ever. I know exactly what game you're playing."
He raised an eyebrow slightly, intrigued.
"And I'm not going to lose," she said. "I won't let you twist my mind or make me forget what you've done. If you think you can own me, break me, or make me obey you, you're wrong. Whatever this is your plan, it won't work on me."
She could feel her heartbeat rushing, anger pushing away the fear that had been choking her since last night.
"You're not kind," she whispered fiercely. "You're calculating. You're cruel. And no amount of breakfast or quiet voices is going to change that. I might be stuck here, but you can't make me bow. You can't make me grateful. You can feed me, pretend you care but I won't forget who you are."
He listened to every word without interrupting. When she finally stopped speaking, he stepped closer, his shadow falling over her.
"I don't need your forgiveness," he said quietly. "And you don't have to like me. But you're still here. And as long as you're here, you will live. Eat, Sleep, Heal, listen and work for me. That is all."
He reached for the empty cup, collected the tray, and stepped back toward the door.
She held his gaze, defiant even in her weakness. "I don't belong to you."
He paused only for a second, then left without answering.
The door closed, and Thalia was alone again but her resolve stood sharper than before.