24.

With the first part of Klaus's revenge plan carried out, I managed to secure a real bed to sleep in that night. I felt like a child in a room filled with toys; the mattress wasn't like my own, but just the fact that I could sleep comfortably that night made the chaos of the day worth it.

I also had access to a shower, clean clothes to wear, and food I could eat. The weakness in my body was no longer persistent, nor constant; gradually, my body was recovering.

"Slow down when you're eating," Klaus complains from the other side of the table. "It's like you've never seen food before."

I glance at him with my mouth full, chewing slowly.

"It has been a long time since I've seen food," I emphasize, returning to my meal, interested only in what he had prepared for dinner, eager to eat.

Minutes later, he leaves the kitchen, leaving me with the dishes to wash and the kitchen to tidy up, which, despite what he thought, I cleaned up faster than usual, and soon I was free to sleep.

Suddenly, I hear a familiar voice in the room.

"I want to make a deal with you."

I remain in the same place.

"I don't make deals with kidnappers," I force a smile.

"Even if it's about your freedom?" I squint my eyes, looking back at her.

I swallow hard, eager to hear what she has to say.

"What kind of deal is this?"

Elijah smiles.

"You're interested, aren't you?" She leaves the question hanging, creating suspense.

"I think it's more than clear that I want to leave," I say, drawing her gaze, wanting her to finish what she started.

"And I will help with that."

This time, I smile, hardly believing it.

"Why do I feel like there's a catch?"

"There's no catch. The only thing you need to do is stay away from Klaus."

I laugh again, now at her face. Did she not see where I was at that moment?

"That's kind of impossible, don't you think?" I ask sarcastically. "Look where I am."

Elijah becomes serious.

"You know what I mean." It's then that I realize what she was really talking about. Elijah didn't want Klaus to have sexual relations with me, as if she could prevent that.

"How are you going to get me out of here?"

"Leave that to me. Just do your part."

"And I just have to 'stay away' from him?"

"Make him believe you don't want to escape anymore; it'll be even easier to get out of here."

My part wasn't hard to fulfill; I just needed to remember to leave when Klaus wanted to use me as an object. I just had to endure a little longer, and I would soon be home.

"For me, it's okay," I say firmly.

"So, we have a deal?"

"Yeah, we do."

"Keep your end of the bargain, and I'll keep mine," she emphasizes, returning to her meal, as if she doubted that I would fulfill my part.

I was willing to do anything to be free from Klaus, even pretending that I was starting to like that place and especially his company. I would pretend for as long as necessary, for my own good.