Painful impotence

ㅤ Irene never opposed Hugo, never judged him. She had no choice but to entrust her life to him completely. To surrender her will. Yet her heart still seemed to be trying to escape its cage, especially when she looked at the sad Marian behind bars, whispering the same prayer under her breath, asking for the salvation of just one person. Not knowing that he was no longer there... "Allow me…" Irene dared to make a personal request, "to take responsibility for her." Hugo glanced at her indifferently, waving his hand as if to say, "Do what you please." He didn't care about the pawn that had played its part. He didn't know what to do with her anyway: she was too weak a piece in the fight against Stahn and company, who were hindering him, and Leon had already dropped out of the game. There was enough space in Irene's room. She brought the hostage there. She brewed some soothing tea and treated her to sweets. Marian thanked her modestly, reluctantly accepting the delicacies. But she had no choice. She shouldn't refuse food: if she starved herself, she would let Leon down, who was fighting for her. She had to force herself to eat. As if she were ill. And afterward, sitting quietly in a chair, she continued her silent prayer. Though Irene longed to care for Marian, to dispel the illusion with truth, to console her with understanding, she was unable to utter a single word. She merely sat down next to her, hesitantly covering Marian's crossed hands with her own. When the girl faltered, looking up at her, Irene looked away, unable to look directly. From the expression of grief and sympathy on her face, Marian understood everything. Noticing this, Irene spoke with difficulty: "I'm sorry..." Marian... was prepared for this outcome. Closing her eyes, carefully breathing evenly, she fought back the tears. But the bitterness in her soul was already overwhelming. Irene squeezed her hands tighter, trying to somehow ease her pain, to take over her pain. To share. They were both stuck in a cage. And while Irene had chosen to remain within it, Marian was trapped within it by circumstances.So she no longer needed to remain in that harsh prison. She could be free. Irene longed to see her spread her wings one day. For them all! Because only she had a chance… Only she was strong-hearted enough. They were both silent, looking down, lost in their own thoughts. Whether one of them had a chance or not, the cage had no intention of releasing them. The door was too tightly locked by Hugo—it was impossible for the fragile girls to open. And neither of them could ask for help, so they could only endure meekly, silently supporting each other. ㅤ