Chapter 12 Breakdown: Cyrus POV

• ***WARNING: This chapter contains mentions of rape, torture, and self-harm. Read at your own discretion.***
• I woke up in a cold sweat wrapped in Leo's arms and scent. Unfortunately, neither calmed my buzzing mind. I was drowning in memories and flashbacks as tears streamed down my face. I eased out of Leo's hold and got up, barely holding back a sob as another wave of memories drowned my mind. My arms wrapped tightly around my body, I silently shuffled into the bathroom. I couldn't be any more of a burden to Leo than I had been the last few days. As the door closed behind me, I locked it and slid down the wall, letting my tears fall freely while my hand kept my sobs from bouncing off the bathroom walls.
• Memory after memory assaulted my brain. I felt like I was drowning. Drowning in unwanted touch and violent assaults. Choking on hate-filled glares and spiteful words. I can't take this. I pulled at my hair, trying, and failing, to push the images away to the back of my mind. Instead, they became more intense. More clear. I tore off my shirt as I tried to rip imaginary hands from my skin. My, now fully extended, claws carelessly tore into my skin, bringing to mind the only thing I knew would stop the onslaught. I dug into my right arm with my clawed left hand. I left dozens upon dozens of open horizontal cuts across my skin, the blood on my arm falling to my thigh as I continued to drag my claws against the scarred and healing skin. There was a knock on the door, but I didn't stop. I kept going as my mate's voice slipped past the wooden barrier,