**Chapter 7: Descent into Darkness**

Six weeks had passed since Ashley was first bound and left in the bedroom, and her situation had only grown more dire. Zach's abuse had become more frequent and more brutal, with punches and kicks now a regular occurrence. Ashley had lost count of the days, the weeks blending together in a haze of pain and fear. As she lay on the bed, Ashley felt a wave of nausea wash over her, a sensation that had become all too familiar in recent weeks. She had been feeling sick for what felt like an eternity, and a growing sense of worry had taken up residence in her chest. What if she was pregnant? The thought sent a shiver down her spine. Ashley's mind was racing as Zach stormed into the room, his eyes blazing with anger. "You're locked in this house, Ashley," he snarled, his voice dripping with malice. "You're not going anywhere. You're mine, and you're going to stay mine." Ashley cowered, her body trembling with fear. "P-please, Zach," she stammered, trying to placate him. But Zach was beyond reason. He sneered at her, his face twisted in contempt. "You think you can appeal to me?" he spat. "You think you can make me feel sorry for you? You're nothing but a prisoner, Ashley. A prisoner in my house, and you're going to do what I say." Ashley knew better than to argue, but she couldn't help herself. "Zach, I think I might be...," she began, her voice trembling. But Zach cut her off, his face darkening with rage. "You think you're what?" he growled, his eyes narrowing. Ashley took a deep breath, trying to steel herself. "I think I might be pregnant," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Zach's reaction was immediate and violent. He flew at her, his fists flying, and Ashley cowered, trying to protect herself. She felt a punch connect with her stomach, and she doubled over, gasping in pain. When Zach finally stopped beating her, he stood over her, his chest heaving with rage. "You're not pregnant," he snarled. "You're just a hysterical woman." But then, he turned and walked over to the nightstand. He pulled out a pregnancy test and threw it at her, the plastic stick skittering across the floor. "Take it," he commanded. "Prove me wrong." Ashley stared at the test, her heart sinking. She knew she had to take it, but she was terrified of the results. What if she was pregnant? What would happen to her then? With a sense of dread, Ashley slowly got to her feet, her bound wrists aching in protest. She stumbled over to the test, her eyes fixed on the small package. She knew she had to do this, but she was scared. She was scared of what the results would bring, and she was scared of what Zach would do if she was indeed pregnant.