The cuff is not a police-issue one, but something thicker with more weight. I take Nico’s wrist. My brain decides this is the perfect time to replay the memory of his hands tangled in my hair, to remember these hands cupping my face, and the way they’d felt both strong and careful at the same time. His thumb had brushed my cheekbone like I meant something to him.
“Do it already,” he snaps.
I cinch the cuff closed until it clicks. I close the second cuff and grab the chain, pulling until both of his arms are stretched out and level with his head like a scarecrow.
There are about a thousand things I want to say to him right now, so many I don’t even know where to start, but they’re all stuck behind this big pathetic lump in my throat. But I need to say something.
I glance up at the camera, stepping close to him and dropping my voice. “Why are you doing this?”
“Jesus fucking Christ, talking to you is like talking to the damn Energizer Bunny,” he grumbles. “How many times do I have to say it?”
“I know you’re lying,” I whisper against the inch of space between us. “You wanted me in the kitchen.”
“Oh, come on, Eden.” He leans in toward me, the chains creaking as he strains against them. He gives me a pitying look. “Why would I want you?”
I pull on the chain.
The links dig into my palms as his body weight sags against them, but I’m grateful for the pain. It gives me something real to focus on that isn’t the expression on his face, or his words ripping into my heart. His long arms stretch over his head. I hoist him up until the toes of his boots are the only things touching the ground. The position forces his shoulders back too far, but he doesn’t make a sound and just hangs there.
I hook the end of the chain around the cleat and angle myself away from him, covering my mouth with my hands so he doesn’t see me trying not to cry.
“Well done,” the Game Master says over the speakers. “I suggest you make yourselves comfortable. I have big things planned for you.”
CHAPTER 39
CASE STUDY
Host Name: Daniel Lee-Thao
Possessed By: Hayden Radke
Possession Length: 7 months
Monitoring Agent: Benjamin Ashford
Date Last Updated: November 2025
Initial Disclosure:
Subject was informed of possession by Donald Dellman and Benjamin Ashford. Took the news well—appeared relieved to have an explanation and asked thoughtful questions about the possession process and what to expect moving forward. Expressed gratitude that we intervened when we did.
Month 8 Update:
Check-in conducted via phone. Subject reports stable mood and no intrusive thoughts. Returned to work part-time. Engaged as of last month.
Month 9 Update:
Subject called with questions about possession mechanics. Wanted to understand his own risk factors, specifically whether certain situations might trigger residual effects. We provided educational materials.
Month 10 Update:
In-person check-in. Subject cooperative and engaged. He’s been keeping a mood journal and has begun therapy. Wedding planning is underway for next year.
Month 11 Update:
A neighbor called 911 after hearing screaming coming from subject’s apartment. Paramedics transported subject’s fiancée to the hospital with multiple fractures, internal bleeding, and head trauma. Subject was detained. Was extremely distressed. Described the incident as a ‘switch flipping.’
Analysis:
