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[eyarazrushost]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Pets!

[oftheshadow]

He'd watched her for years. When she'd first come to this House, she'd been but a child, wide eyes, long red curls, and such pretty manners that endeared her to the Lantsov Matron immediately. And she was gifted, he smelled that before anything else.

Like called to like, after all.

Though he'd never spoken to her - he spoke to no one under this wretched roof - he took the opportunity to watch her grow, become lovely as childhood had promised, and even though he knew she suffered agonies under the Matron's cruel hand, never once did he sense any true malice within her.

Darkness, yes. That he recognized, and so easily. But never cruelty, never true evil.

The old man kept him in a large kennel belowstairs, shackled about the neck and muzzled whenever he wasn't locked behind two-inch thick steel bars. Concrete floor, a pail for water, and whatever scraps deigned to be tossed his way; survival was a daily struggle.

At his peak, his bulk topped nearly three hundred pounds. Very nearly the size of a small horse, he was long, lean, and rangy, but quivering with defined muscle. His paws were the size of dinner plates, and each dagger-sharp tooth in his long jaws gleamed bone-white, perfectly clean. Black as night, dark as a Shadow, he gazed over everything with golden-eyed intelligence, dangerously so.

But Lantsov kept him lean, kept him hungry. He'd been trained as a whelp to hunt, to kill, and the old man capitalized on his never-ceasing hunger to build his empire, keep it in check, and eliminate his enemies. There were seldom any bodies of which to dispose, a nuance that delighted the old villain to no end. And the massive wolf was no stranger to human-flesh.

Yet it had struck the wolf as odd when the red-haired girl had begun to bring him food, leftovers from the kitchens from the daily meals. He'd ignored her at first - he was hardly some dog to lick offered fingers and show his belly in idiotic canine submission - but she'd surprised him by simply putting the food through the cage bars and returning back upstairs, leaving him to eat or not.

By the first fortnight, he'd found himself waiting to hear her on the stairs. Actually looking forward to smelling her now-familiar scent. The lovely, sweet girl. One not tarnished or ruined by the hell in which they were both imprisoned.

[eyarazrushost]

She'd been gifted as a girl. Instead of simply manipulating hearts or healing, Genya had the gift to alter. She could change appearances with a few graceful movements of her fingers. It had been a fun game at first. She liked changing her hair or her nose to shock her mother. She liked changing the color of the flowers in her family's floral shop. She loved it all. That love always turned to cold fear when the Lantsov men came for their monthly payment. Their shop was within their territory, so they made all owners pay a fee for 'protection'. Her father silently paid to avoid the hassle until one day, the Lantsov mob king himself saw Genya's abilities.

A gift, he decided. He would take her as a gift for his wife, and in return the Safin family would never have to pay again. They would remain unbothered. It wasn't a price her family was willing to pay, but they really had no choice at all. Lantsov took her regardless.

She grew up in the great manor and tended to Tatiana over the years. She had her own private education because the mob queen would not tolerate a fool for a handmaiden. The years passed quietly exactly like this until her body changed. The thin, lanky form grew into soft curves. The chubbiness of her girlhood in her face grew sharper. People began to notice what a beauty she became.

Including Lantsov himself. That was when everything changed. Nightly terrors of him coming to her room to have his way with her. Tatiana knew. The woman hated her for it, but she couldn't go against her husband. They learned to exist with one another though the woman's demands became more and more ridiculous at all hours of the day.

Genya was lonely and miserable. The only highlight she found was of the great wolf Lantsov kept. He was his attack dog. Everyone knew what would happen if you crossed him. You got fed to the wolf. Something in the wolf's eyes called to her. She recognized something within him. Like looking in a mirror.

She always took him the extras of her meals to him. Genya never lingered or tried to let him. She gave him the utmost respect and did her best to nourish him. He'd protected her once. She'd never forget that.

That was most apparent tonight. Lantsov was passed out in her bed after a spike wine that would make him sleep for several hours. It was her chance. She'd planned this out for weeks, but now it was time to act. She couldn't bear another moment here as their toy to abuse. She wore dark clothes with a hooded coat that would hide her brilliant hair. She was nearly out the door when her feet guided her to the wolf.

Down she went to the kennel. She swiped the keys from Lantsov whehn he'd fallen asleep. She was going to use it to bypass the security and the gate, but now it was useful to free the wolf. He deserved his freedom too. She approached carefully as to not spook him.

"I'm sorry," she began, "I didn't bring you food, but I think I've brought you something better."

She held up the keys to show him when she reached the thick bars. "We don't belong here."

[oftheshadow]

Something had happened; the very air was rank with it. His nose twitched, quickly sorting out the myriad scents. The roving guards were on a higher alert, the servants flitting here and there were quicker, more apt to drop a glass or make a mistake. It felt...charged. Electric.

But his sharp ears caught the sound of very familiar footsteps on the stairs; the girl approached. He rose to all fours, the chain attached to his collar clinking lightly. Golden eyes blinked, however, and his head tilted curiously when he spied her, cloaked in black, and holding up a set of silver keys he'd only ever seen in the old man's hand.

What was she...?

Then he heard the ruckus. Two of the guards were almost at the stairwell, nearly running. Pointed ears went flat, and sharp teeth gleamed in warning. He lunged, straining against the collar. The chain held fast, but he jerked at it again and again.

[eyarazrushost]

There wasn't much time now. Genya knew that the clock was ticking. Swiftly, she freed the massive wolf to allow him his freedom. She head the ruckus after he did. Her actions became jumpier and more panicked. Her window of opportunity to escape was closing. There was a door opening upstairs. The sounds of the guards barking harsh words reached her.

There was no way out but through that door. Her heart sank. Her ability wasn't offensive. She could alter the appearance of things, but she couldn't outwardly attack. She didn't know much combat. She was furious for not learning any sort of self defense.

"Go," she told the wolf. She hadn't flinched when he jerked against his chain or when she freed him. "This is your chance."

Even if she couldn't get out, at least he would.

[oftheshadow]

The guards at the top of the stairs stood no chance. They hadn’t even lifted their guns when the Shadows suddenly sprouted slashing white fangs and cutting, talon-sharp claws, and within ninety seconds both lay gurgling their last in a pool of their own blood.

The Shadow faded, leaving the wolf crouched over his kills, but not even his rumbling stomach could stifle the drive to escape. A brief thought to hunt down the old man and take his throat flashed before golden eyes, but the call of freedom was thankfully stronger.

He did look back over one dark-furred shoulder, seeing the girl still frozen at the bottom of the stairwell. Sharp nostrils flared; they didn’t need to waste her bravery.

Come, whispered into her mind, bypassing her ears entirely. A masculine voice, tinged with a light Northern accent, but low and softy gruff. We must hurry.

[eyarazrushost]

Genya had never truly seen the wolf in action. She'd heard stories. They were gruesome and terrible, but they weren't anything compared to seeing how artful he was in the kill. It was almost beautiful the way the Shadows formed and destroyed its enemies with a graceful slash. She stood there with wide eyes of awe. The guards hadn't been as much of a threat as she thought.

She was startled out of her daze when she heard a silky voice in her head. It was male with a Northern burr around the edges of his words. She stared at him in astonishment, but it wasn't the time for this.

She nodded and hurried up the stairs. They could make a break for it into the woods once they made it out the manor. Lantsov called it the Grand Palace, the disgusting narcissist. She was ready to leave it all behind. It sounded like they'd discovered his sleeping form in her bed. Perhaps it had been Tatiana wondering where her husband was. He always returned to her after he forced himself on Genya.

"This way, there's a secret passageway," she told the wolf. She pressed her hand against the wall until it shifted. There was a series of hidden passages for the servants to move more quickly throughout the manor. She led the way and ran as quickly as she could around the winding corners to the door that led near the garage.

[oftheshadow]

She was doubtless more familiar with the upstairs corridors than he. So the massive wolf followed obediently, eyes, ears, and nose constantly alert for any new danger. He heard them, but they weren’t yet close.

A dark eyebrow went up when the girl opened the wall, revealing a damp, dank-smelling passageway. He slunk in behind her just as the panel slid closed, and again kept close to her heels until they reached the end, where again the Shadows devoured the patrolling guards in the garage.

All six of them.

The carnage was magnificent, but time was of the essence. He knew that when this patrol didn’t report in the entire manor would light up with activity, and it was still a good hundred yards to the perimeter fence.

They had no chance on foot.

Can you drive?

The keys were kept in a box near the guard station. Which currently sported six dead bodies and was closer, for the moment.

[eyarazrushost]

Genya didn't have time to look at the carnage or feel any sort of way about them. Her freedom was on the line. Both of their freedom. She stepped nimbly around the bodies. She tried her best not to step and slip in the blood. She open the panel to see what she was working with. None of the luxury cars that Lantsov was so fond of would do. Not with the size of the wolf.

She grabbed a few pair of keys and tested their lock to see where they beeped too. There were a few chirps, but she found a suitable one. A luxury SUV that had a third row. She ran towards it and opened the trunk to push down the second row as well for him.

"Get in," she gestured. She knew how to drive, thank the Saints for that. Her heart was hammering. Her pulse was practically jumping in her throat. "Hang on."

Once he was in, she got into the driver's seat and turned the key in the ignition. The SUV purred to life. She pressed the button in the car for the garage doors to open.

"Come on, come on," she said under her breath. They were moving so slow. She didn't like sitting idle. She felt like they were right on their heels. When just enough space opened, she put the car in drive and hit the gas. The SUV surged out of the garage.

[oftheshadow]

The girl was efficient, he had to give her that. The moment he could duck into the back of the vehicle, he did so, sharp claws shredding the carpet as they dug in. He had to hunch, crouched over the collapsed back seat with his massive head between the two front seats, but he growled approval when she gunned the vehicle out of the garage and out onto the drive, spraying gravel.

Strange as it would seem later, at the moment he had no qualm about placing his centuries-long life in her small hands. She was just as much a slave as he, and an odd scent reached his nose now that he was closer: Lantsov. The old man’s vinegary stench clung to her pale skin, not by her choice he was sure.

But that was a rumination for later, because they had gained quite a bit of speed and the SUV rocketed towards the still-closed gate and the guard shack beside it. The wolf flattened his ears, bared his teeth.

Ram it. They will move.

Or they wouldn’t. Either way.

[eyarazrushost]

It was a strange comfort when his large head peeked out between the driver and passenger seat. She felt the puff of his warm breath. He didn't smell like animal. Nothing doglike or wild. He smelled sharp and clean like breathing in cold air on a snowy day. She wondered if she was hysterical. That had to be the reason why she was suddenly waxing poetic about a talking wolf's scent.

The guard saw them barreling down the long road. He got out of his shack to try and stop them, but she honked the horn in warning. Three loud bursts before he stepped aside. The gate was still in the way, but she only accelerated.

Fuck it. She'd rather be dead than belong to the Lantsovs a moment longer. She had a feeling the wolf agreed with her. She pushed the SUV to its limits. She thought the gate would stop them. She braced herself for the impact. They crashed right through. They ripped iron and metal behind them, but the car kept going. She didn't let up on the speed as she cut through the winding roads towards a back road instead of the main one.

"I have a cabin I'm going to up north," she told the wolf. It was a plan that had been months in the making. It was a kindness done for her by a good friend. It was off the grid and stocked with food and water. She just needed to get there. "I don't know where you'd like to go, but you can come with me."

[oftheshadow]

Both leather and carpet shredded as his claws cut through them when the vehicle slewed out of the driveway and onto the paved road, but the wolf's bright golden gaze never left the windshield, not even when they'd crashed through the thick wrought iron. The girl earned his grudging respect for her determination, but he knew that Lantsov wouldn't just sit back and let his prize pets - both two-legged and four - just vanish from his clutches.

He will come after us, was his silent warning, turning only his head to gaze at her fully. If you truly intend to escape his clutches, then you will need my help. A pause, then his ears lowered and his head drooped slightly. Besides... he said then, silent voice quiet, almost hesitant, ...I have nowhere else to go.

[eyarazrushost]

"I'll die before I go back there," she said with a determined fire in her eyes. Genya refused to let herself be violated by him again. She refused to tend to Tatiana's every superficial and shallow whim. She'd rather die free than continue living like that. She heard the same strong tenacity in his 'voice' too. They needed each other. They'd be better off together than out there figuring out how to survive on their own. She nodded at him with her blue eyes meeting his golden ones.

Her gaze turned back to the road. "We'll stick together," she agreed. Something in her chest seemed to ease with that assurance. She wasn't naive. She knew that she could easily be recaptured. She couldn't defend herself as well. She could get them to a safe house, but he could keep them safe.

There was a pause before she added, "I didn't know you could talk."

[oftheshadow]

There was no discernible sign of pursuit - yet - so the wolf allowed himself to lie down between the front seats, his bulk large enough to allow him to see over the dash just enough. I can do many things, he quietly replied, long tongue lolling as he panted softly, but I choose not to.

The only one of his kind, the last of his generation, not even old man Lantsov knew what the wolf truly was. Any and all information about him had vanished into history, faded into nothing more but legend. Centuries of abuse had left him scarred, both physically and mentally, and more jaded than a creature should ever be.

Several long moments passed with only the hum of the tires on asphalt, then the great wolf silently spoke again.

You gave me freedom, he told the redheaded girl behind the wheel. For that, you have my protection. Perhaps even his loyalty, but time would tell as to that.

[eyarazrushost]

"I couldn't just leave you there," she protested. It was completely unthinkable to Genya. He was trapped just as she was, so naturally, he deserved his freedom too. She continued driving at a high speed limit on the back roads. She took all kinds of turns and doubled back here and there to throw anyone off their trail. There weren't much police presence out here. They gave the Lantsovs a wide berth to handle their business.

She wasn't sure what the wolf needed. He certainly didn't eat what she did. Maybe she could let him out to hunt once they were far enough. She wasn't sure how far they'd need to get before she felt safe enough to stop. At least they had a full tank of gas.

"My name is Genya," she offered to him. She took one hand off the wheel and offered it to him to smell.

[oftheshadow]

I know your scent, he told her, moving his head only slightly in the direction of her hand. I have for years. Ever since she'd begun bringing him kitchen scraps, quiet and small, her vibrant red hair the only spot of color in his dull grey world of concrete, chains, and cages.

...you...you weren't afraid. When even grown, hard-bitten mercenaries were terrified to approach the steel bars, their fear reeking from their rank-smelling sweat. I was...surprised. Even the old man had carried a whip whenever he'd come to collect his 'pet'. A few thin white scars across his midnight-black muzzle attested its use.

The glow up ahead signaled they were approaching the city, and the wolf's ears went up. You will need money, he told her, and a different vehicle. As well as warmer clothing. And food and other supplies, but money and a vehicle first. All else could be gathered as they went.

[eyarazrushost]

Genya glanced at him curiously. She knew he knew of her. She'd brought him food. As much as she could manage. She always thought the wolf was too lean. She knew that Lantsov didn't keep him well fed. It was cruel the way the wolf was treated. There wasn't much she could do to rebel against them, but she could do that.

"I knew you weren't going to hurt me," she answered honestly. She wasn't sure how she knew that. She simply did. She knew that truth deep down in her spirit.

Her eyes studied the lights of the city. She'd seen it enough times with Tatiana. She'd been dragged along to various parties and galas and 'charity' events. She'd never really explored it for her own.

"A friend left me some money and clothes. There's a drop off spot where I can get it," she explained. Zoya couldn't do much given her own restraints within the system, but this was more than enough for Genya. "I guess we can steal a car?"

She'd never done that before, but she'd watched videos. "I need to Tailor myself," she added. She needed to not look so Genya Safin. "That will give us more coverage."

The large wolf would be difficult to hide.

[oftheshadow]

They left the SUV in an abandoned lot not far from Genya's drop spot, the large wolf keeping well in the shadows, very nearly one himself. Fetch your supplies, he'd told her, ghosting along beside her as they slunk down the silent street. Do what you must and I will meet you at the train station in an hour.

Then his voice had faded, but before it disappeared entirely, he added, soft as a whisper, I am called Aleksander.

At this time of night, the train station wasn't overly crowded and only half-lit, as many of the overhead lights were out or missing entirely. A tired-looking middle-clerk was running the counter, yawning almost every ten minutes. A few weary passengers napped on the hard wooden benches, waiting for their next connection, and still fewer noodled about between trains coming and going.

A pair of cops were checking tickets and ID's, reporting into their shoulder mics every third person or so; they were looking for a red-haired woman and possibly a very large black dog, a purebred German Shepherd. But no one in the station matched either description - honestly, a dog? - so they soon wandered back out, leaving all inside muttering about the rudeness of cops and the inconvenience of it all.

Save for one, a tall man in all-black clothing, wearing a hooded sweater with sleeves that didn't quite reach his wrists, jeans that didn't quite reach the tops of thick black combat boots, and gleaming white teeth that were a little longer than normal, and gold-ringed dark eyes that watched everything intently from the depths of the hood.

[eyarazrushost]

After she'd reached the drop spot, Genya had changed. Not just her clothes, but her appearance as well. She transformed her scarlet curls into sleek black hair. She darkened the blue of her eyes to a hazel shade that wouldn't catch much attention. The shape of her eyes were slightly larger and rounder for a doe eyed look instead of her familiar piercing gaze. She flattened the tip of her nose a bit with less of angle. Finally, her lips were made smaller and thinner to hide the plushness of them.

She was unrecognizable. Only the wolf could identify her by her scent. She changed from her clothes into the ones Zoya had left for her. She wore a pair of black jeans and a chic grey sweater that was covered with a wool coat in navy blue. She was thankful that she'd worn sensible boots.

With the money, she was able to buy supplies they'd need north. The cabin would be well stocked, but she still bought food and water that she squirreled away in her newly purchased duffel bag. She bought a large flash light with extra batteries, a scarf and a beanie for herself, and a burner phone. It wasn't much, but she didn't want to blow all the cash now. They'd likely need more supplies during their stay, so they needed to be reasonable.

She hefted the duffel bag on her shoulder as she strode into the station. Her now raven black hair was tucked beneath her navy blue beanie while the scarf hung around her neck. She wasn't sure what she was looking for. A wolf, certainly, but that felt too conspicuous. People would freak out if there was a wolf.

Her eyes scanned the station and studied all the people. Could he be hiding in the Shadows? He'd hid himself so easily before. She clocked the lack of cops here at this sleepy hour. It was mostly passengers milling about from one destination to the next. Her eyes traveled around and nearly passed over a tall, dark figure that hugged the wall.

Immediately, Genya looked back at him. She didn't know him, but when his eyes locked on hers, she felt that same familiar feeling when she'd first locked eyes with the wolf. Her feet began to bring her towards him until she stutter stepped when she realized she didn't look at all like herself.

[oftheshadow]

He'd smelled her nearly a block away, so familiar was her scent. Warm summer rain, autumn cedar, and apple blossoms after the last snow of spring. He'd recognize it anywhere. So he wasn't too surprised when a completely different woman stepped into the station, cautiously glancing about before moving further inside. Yes, she'd hidden her true self well.

It was nearly time for their next transportation to arrive, so he slipped out of the corner and headed for her, slightly impressed that she did the same - how could she recognize him like this? - only to have her stop and try to turn away. He gently took her elbow before she could.

"It's me," he murmured in the same voice she'd heard before. Dark, low, and tinged with that hint of the North. "This isn't a form I choose often, but it has its uses." Even if the clothes he'd pilfered didn't entirely fit. The face that gazed over her head briefly, scanning their surroundings, then back at her was weather-pale, sharply featured, and sported a dark beard that obscured the lower half.

"The authorities have been and gone," he told her quietly, leading her to the loading platform. "We have tickets for the next train; it should be arriving at any moment."

[eyarazrushost]

She'd been guided by something deeper when she recognized the wolf in him. Her stutter step had jarred her out of it. It allowed her brain to catch up with her. This was Aleksander as a human. His voice sounded exactly the same, but only now, she could actually hear him. He looked weary and reserved, yet she still found him breathtakingly beautiful. The gold around his dark eyes were arresting.

"How?" she whispered to him. Genya let him guide her towards their train. He'd not only acquired a human form, but train tickets as well. Her eyes causally looked around to confirm what he'd said about cops. It appeared as though the coast was clear.

She stayed close to him. The train doors were open for them, so they stepped onto it from the platform. There weren't many other passengers at this hour. It was only them and a mother with a sleepy eyed child in her arms. Genya lingered on the sight for a moment and wondered about her own mother.

"Are you alright?" she asked when they were safely on. She didn't know what it took for him to be like this. Her gaze swept over him with worry and care.

[oftheshadow]

He’d acquired not only tickets, but the clothes he now wore and a passing-fair ID, also. The unfortunate who’d “donated” all of these would live, but more than likely suffer months of mental trauma thanks to being attacked by first a giant black wolf before getting stuffed into a supply closet after being knocked unconscious by a giant naked barbarian in the train station.

Oh, well. Ends justified the means, after all.

Aleksander didn’t answer nor relax from quivering alert until the train had departed, sliding smoothly through the inky night. He’d parked Genya next to the window and swung in beside her, right in front of the back exit doors.

“I’m sorry,” he quietly apologized, “for being so rough. It’a been…decades since I’ve been in this form.” He gestured wryly to his torso. “It’s still a little awkward to handle.”

[eyarazrushost]

"You're not rough," she said in surprised. Genya knew what rough was. She knew how it felt when a man was rough and careless with her. She knew the sort of aches and bruises it left behind. That hadn't been Aleksander at all. He was guarded and jerky in his movements since it was all so abrupt, but nothing that made her feel any discomfort. His large form stayed close to her like he was trying to hide her. It made her feel so much safer.

She felt herself relax slightly. His body was pressed against hers next to her. It wasn't unwelcome.

"It's very nice," she offered a little shyly. The words felt silly. "I like the other you as well. They're both-- lovely."

She wondered if this was the symptoms of all the stress and panic coming to a head. She gave a low huff and shook her head. "Are you hungry?" she dug through the duffel bag and pulled out the different snacks she'd purchased. Trail mix, protein bars, beef jerky. She'd bought whatever could keep and be filling.

[oftheshadow]

Had she seen him but a scant half hour earlier, Genya might not have been so charitable with her compliments. Going from four legs to two was quite a shock, and the loss of a thick, rudder-like tail made keeping his balance nearly impossible for the first fifteen minutes or so. Then there was all the business with thumbs, and trying not to bite his own tongue when swearing like a sulfurous pirate as he attempted to don the pilfered clothing and remain upright all at the same time.

This human form was just so bloody hindering awkward. Tall, lanky, and just...odd, he was once more reminded why he much preferred the one he'd been born into; his wolf form was quite perfect, from the tip of his sharp nose to the end of his thick, bushy tail. But, moving about as such a creature, regardless of how magnificent, would see their trek ended more than quickly, so he'd been forced to don this uncomfortable skin once again.

But his senses were no less sharp with just two legs, and a dark eyebrow arched as he smelt Genya's scent change just a bit as she spoke, becoming...warmer. Sweeter, somehow. Not...unpleasant, and he found his nostrils flaring to take in more of it. Then she began to rummage in her duffel, procuring food, by all the gods. He went for the jerky first, leaving the more nutritious snacks for her. It was tough, dry, and was slightly softer than boot leather, but he swallowed it down regardless. Once they reached their destination, he could hunt, so at least they'd have plenty of meat.

"...thank you," he murmured afterwards, once again casting his gaze around the nearly empty car, always on alert, always ready for danger.

[eyarazrushost]

Genya allowed him to have his fill of whatever he wanted. She wasn't surprised that he'd gone for the jerky. She wished she bought more. She pulled out a water bottle and kept it close in case he got thirsty. She didn't have much of an appetite. Her heart was still in her throat with worry and fear that Lantsov will come swooping down on them to drag them both back.

Her fingers fidgeted with a bag of trail mix. Her eyes kept darting around even though the train was on a steady journey north. The train was largely empty, so it was quiet. Even the lights were slightly dimmed. She couldn't shake the worry and the gnawing fear.

"You're welcome though it's really not necessary. I don't think I would have been able to escape without you," she admitted. The guards would have surely caught her even if she hadn't taken a detour to free him.

[oftheshadow]

He sensed no immediate threats; the young mother had dozed off not long after her babe had fallen asleep. So he was free to turn his attention back to his companion, feeling her anxiety as keenly as if it was his own. He hesitantly reached out and placed a large hand on her arm.

"Calm," he whispered, speaking nearly into her ear. "We're safe, for now. I smell nothing out of the ordinary, and no one will be looking for us as we are." His hand was large, the fingers long and dexterous, a soothing weight.

"You were right," he told her then. "We needed each other, back there." She would have been all-too-easily apprehended by the guards had she been alone, and he'd still be shackled to the basement floor inside a thick steel cage.