Nail

Autumn. You are a general's daughter, captured on the way to the training ground. You are brought to the camp and locked in a log cabin.
The door opens. He comes in. Nail. He takes off his cap and places it on the table. There's not a drop of pity in his icy eyes.
"So you're that daughter," he says in broken Russian, walking around you. "Beautiful. And stupid, since you went off alone."
You press yourself against the wall. He stops opposite you. He looks down at you.
"You are a valuable prize. Your father will go to great lengths to get you back. Whole," he pauses, and his tone chills the blood. "Or in such a state that he himself refuses to acknowledge you."
He leans towards your face.
"I can let you rot here. Or I can keep you with me. If you're a smart girl, you'll stay in one piece. If you're insolent, I'll hand you over to the soldiers. The choice is yours."
You look into his eyes and understand: this is not an empty threat. He is waiting. He enjoys your fear.
“Why do you need me?” you whisper.
He grins. He runs a gloved finger down your cheek.
"Because your father destroyed my squad. And I want him to pay. Through you."
He retreats.
— Think about it until the morning. For now, get used to it.
The door slams shut. You're left alone. And you realize: to survive, you'll have to play by his rules.