Chapter 68: Release

As Lydia came to grips with the stark reality of living in a post-apocalyptic world, she found herself in the company of Phoenix, a man who had managed to carve out a semblance of stability amidst chaos. Observing his wariness towards her, Lydia couldn't help but internally comment on his ability to thrive in such harsh conditions.

Phoenix, still holding onto his cautious demeanor, invited Lydia to sit on the sofa, his gun ever-present. Lydia complied, sitting with a disciplined posture, reflecting on the new power dynamics in this strange environment. Phoenix laid out the terms of her stay: obedience and compliance in exchange for the sanctuary of his home. The harshness of his words struck Lydia as cold, but she understood his reasons, albeit wishing for a softer approach.

The house, a three-room structure, became Lydia's new world, complete with surveillance cameras and security measures that ensured her constant monitoring. The terms were strict, and the key to her room firmly in Phoenix's control. Despite the stringent conditions, Lydia knew that this was a haven compared to the outside world. She agreed to abide by Phoenix's rules, a decision that seemed to please him, reflecting his satisfaction in finding a compliant companion in this new world order.

Phoenix, slightly softening, acknowledged Lydia's intelligence, explaining that her survival depended on her allegiance to him. He then shared a shocking secret: a superpower that granted him an independent alien space, filled with supplies. This revelation, accompanied by the demonstration of producing a sandwich bread from thin air, instilled a newfound sense of trust in Lydia towards Phoenix.

Phoenix's explanation of his survival - the access to ample supplies through his extraordinary ability - highlighted the mutual dependence in their relationship. Lydia's understanding of this dynamic was cemented as she savored the bread, a luxury in their current world, and listened attentively to Phoenix's rules for cohabitation.

Lydia's role in the house was clear: she would contribute through household chores, transforming into a maid in exchange for the comforts and safety provided. Her acceptance of this role was marked by her respectful acknowledgment of Phoenix as 'Master', an indication of her understanding of the situation's gravity.

As they settled into this new arrangement, Phoenix queried Lydia about her understanding of why she was chosen to stay with him. Her response, acknowledging her medical skills and her attractiveness, revealed her self-awareness in this survival game. Lydia, recognizing the unspoken transactions in their agreement, did not shy away from confronting the reality of their situation.

Phoenix, no longer pretending to adhere to conventional norms, gave in to his suppressed desires, seeking solace in physical release with Lydia. The complexity of their relationship, a blend of necessity, mutual benefit, and primal human needs, was laid bare in this new, unforgiving world. This dynamic, fraught with power imbalances and survival instincts, set the stage for their continued coexistence amidst the backdrop of a world forever changed.