After Sapnap left, the silence of the room pressed down on George like a heavy blanket, suffocating and inescapable. His mind raced, thoughts of escape clashing with the harsh reality Sapnap had reminded him of—there was no way out. Not yet. He lay back on the couch, staring at the ceiling, his body trembling from exhaustion. How long would he have to endure this? How could he possibly survive in a place where even his freedom was stolen?

But as the minutes passed, George's mind sharpened. He couldn’t afford to be hopeless. He had to think, plan, find a way to manipulate the situation. Dream wanted him, clearly—his affection was possessive but undeniable. Perhaps George could use that to his advantage.

Suddenly, the door to the room creaked open once again. Dream entered, his towering form casting a shadow over the space. He was calm now, the earlier anger from George’s escape attempt seemingly gone. His mask tilted downward slightly, his green eyes glowing faintly beneath it as he regarded George.

"You’re still upset," Dream observed quietly, approaching George with slow, deliberate steps. His voice was softer now, almost gentle, as if trying to coax trust from the angel. "I understand, you’re scared. But you need to realize, I’ll protect you. No one will harm you here. I’ll give you everything you could ever want."

George sat up, his heart racing at the sight of Dream drawing closer. His words were filled with dark promises, but the demon lord’s eyes betrayed a flicker of something else—desire, perhaps. Maybe George could use that.

Taking a shaky breath, George met Dream’s gaze, forcing himself to be calm. He had to play this carefully. "I… I don’t know how to live like this," George said, his voice trembling but steady enough to convey vulnerability. "You say you’ll protect me, but… I don’t even know what you want from me."

Dream knelt in front of him, reaching out to gently hold George’s hands. His touch was surprisingly warm, contrasting with the coldness George had expected. Dream tilted his head slightly, considering his words before speaking. "What I want is simple, George. I want you by my side. To stay here with me. You’ll be safe, you’ll be cared for… and in return, you’ll give me your loyalty."

George felt a chill run down his spine. "Your loyalty." The words were like chains, binding him to a fate he couldn’t escape.

"But… if I do that," George hesitated, his voice faltering slightly, "will I ever be free again?"

Dream’s eyes darkened slightly, though he kept his voice soft. "You will have freedom here, with me. But outside this castle, you would be vulnerable, hunted by other demons who would not be as kind." He leaned in closer, his breath warm against George’s skin. "Why would you want to leave, when I can give you everything you need?"

George swallowed, fighting the urge to pull away. Dream’s words were seductive, but George knew better. This wasn’t kindness—it was control, wrapped in the illusion of care. He had to play along, for now.

"I… I don’t want to be hurt," George said quietly, his eyes lowering as he feigned submission. "I’m afraid of what’ll happen if I don’t do as you say."

Dream’s expression softened, and he brushed his fingers through George’s hair with a gentle touch. "You won’t be hurt, not by me. I promise you that, my angel."

The way Dream said "my angel" sent shivers down George’s spine, but he forced himself to remain still, to nod as if he were accepting Dream’s offer.

Dream smiled beneath his mask, pleased by George’s apparent acquiescence. He stood up, his imposing form towering over George once again. "Good," he said, his voice laced with satisfaction. "I’ll make sure you’re comfortable here, George. You’ll see, in time, you’ll come to love it."

He turned toward the door, pausing for a moment. "I’ll return shortly. Rest now, my angel. We’ll have dinner together tonight."

As Dream left the room, George let out a long, shaky breath. His heart pounded in his chest, fear and anger swirling inside him. But now, a small spark of determination had ignited. If Dream wanted loyalty, George would give it—for now. But his true loyalty would be to himself and his escape.

The door clicked shut behind Dream, and George was alone once again. He looked around the room, his mind already beginning to turn with possibilities. There had to be something he could use, someone he could manipulate or align with to break free from this nightmare. Sapnap seemed torn—perhaps he could be swayed. Or maybe there was another weakness in Dream’s perfect kingdom that George hadn’t discovered yet.

Whatever it was, George knew one thing for certain: he couldn’t give up. Not now.

---

Later that evening, George found himself seated at a grand dining table, the opulence of the castle even more pronounced in the dining hall. Candles flickered on the long, dark table, casting dancing shadows across the walls. Dream sat at the head of the table, his mask still in place, but his green eyes fixed intently on George. Plates of food were laid out in front of them—lavish, extravagant dishes that George had never seen before.

Dream smiled beneath his mask, gesturing toward the feast. "Eat, George. You must be starving."

George picked up his fork hesitantly, his stomach tied in knots, though he knew he needed to keep up appearances. Taking a small bite, he forced himself to swallow, nodding politely.

Dream watched him closely, his eyes gleaming with something George couldn’t quite place. "Do you like it?" he asked, his tone casual, but his gaze predatory.

"It’s… good," George replied softly, trying not to choke on the words.

Dream leaned back in his chair, pleased by George’s obedience. "Good. There’s much more where that came from. You’ll have everything you want here, George. All you have to do is stay by my side."

George looked down at his plate, hiding the fire that was beginning to burn in his chest. He had to be careful, to play his role. But deep down, he knew—no matter what Dream offered, no matter how luxurious the cage, he would never truly belong here.

And he would never stop fighting to break free.