When Kalen opened his eyes, it was to an overhead black and red canopy. Staring blankly at the ceiling, he contemplated his situation.
It was bleak.
Sighing, he shifted, mentally taking stock of his body. Freezing as he heard the sound of chains, Kalen shot up. Looking down, he followed the chains connecting his neck, up to the headboard. Panicking, Kalen brought his hands to the thick metal band around his neck, searching desperately for a seam. Finding none, he silently despaired.
"There's no escape this time," he whispered to himself, clutching his head between his hands as he hunched over.
Hearing the door open, Kalen quickly looked up to see Him entering the room.
"Hello my love," He sang, stalking over to the bed.
Seeing Him moving closer, Kalen frantically scrambled backwards until his back hit the headboard, the chain rustling loudly with his movements. Seeing that he could no longer create any room between them, Kalen clutched the duvet as a shield, covering as much of his body as he possibly could.
Clicking His tongue, He laid down on the bed and pulled a struggling Kalen into His arms.
"Do not hide from me, my love," He whispered into Kalen's neck. The threat of His fangs enough to still Kalen's struggling.
Gulping, Kalen remained silent.
"That's better, little one," He spoke again as He stroked Kalen's hair, "I have a proposition for you."
Kalen nodded hesitantly.
"You can stay chained to this bed for the rest of your mortal, and, when I decide it, immortal life, or," He continued, "You can wear this."
Looking at the thin, gold collar He presented, Kalen debated. On one hand, he could go crazy, chained to the bed forever. On the other hand, there was definitely a hidden catch to the golden collar.
Slowly feeling his anger rising, Kalen exploded.
"You cannot control me!" he spat at Him, clawing at the arms trapping him while he struggled.
"I see you've made your decision," He intoned calmly, ignoring the clawing, biting human in His arms.
"You will stay here until you redeem yourself little one, and then I hope you will listen to me when I present you this option once more," He said in lieu of a goodbye as He released Kalen and walked toward the door.
"Just remember that I can be a forgiving person if given the right incentive," He spoke one last time, tossing a hand up behind Him as He glided through and closed the door.