Adult Content Warning

This work could have adult content. If you continue, you have agreed that you are willing to see such content.

• Yes, Continue
• No, Go Back

If you accept cookies from our site and you choose "Yes, Continue", you will not be asked again during this session (that is, until you close your browser). If you log in you can store your preference and never be asked again.

1. At A Cost Too High by exodetzu

   Fandoms: Original Work, No Fandom  

   • Explicit
   • Graphic Depictions Of Violence
   • F/M
   • Work in Progress

   18 Feb 2026

   Tags

   • Graphic Depictions Of Violence
   • Original Female Character(s)/Original Male Character(s)
   • Original Female Character(s)
   • Original Male Character(s)
   • Original Characters
   • Reader
   • Domestic Violence
   • Psychological Trauma
   • Stockholm Syndrome
   • Forced Relationship
   • Implied/Referenced Abuse
   • Internalized Misogyny
   • Kidnapping
   • Power Imbalance
   • Implied/Referenced Torture
   • Abuse
   • Conditioning
   • Punishment
   • Emotional/Psychological Abuse
   • Trauma Bonding
   • Battered Person Syndrome
   • learned helplessness
   • let me show you how socially acceptable discipline techniques can be twisted
   • organized crime? we don't know because claire doesn't either
   • Physical Abuse

   Summary

   Claire was just 17 when she got married. Allegedly — she honestly has no idea what papers she signed under duress.

   But knowing the exact details won’t help. Not with who her husband is, and certainly not with a legal system that refuses to care.

   What can a girl do against enthusiastic efforts at systematic reconditioning?

   The answer: not very much.

   Language:

   English

   Words:

   19,064

   Chapters:

   10/23

   Comments:

   31

   Kudos:

   32

   Bookmarks:

   14

   Hits:

   1,845