Iyasu’s second time in the cages wasn’t as bad if only because Jerrod tried to comfort him most of the days he was trapped there. The first day he appeared Iyasu was stunned to see his presence, Jerrod had that same guilty look on his face that was only partially illuminated by the artificial lamp he held in his hands. He put a finger to his lips before Iyasu could say anything and looked back at the steps before walking closer. He pulled out a small bag and opened it to offer him a few orange slices through the gaps in the cage.

Iyasu could only lean forward a bit and let Jerrod feed him by hand. It felt ridiculous being fed through a cage like some pet but his body was rejoicing at the idea of being fed after a few days of starvation. Jerrod fed him a few grapes after and a bit of bread, all the while looking back nervously to see if anyone was coming. Iyasu couldn’t help but nibble at the few crumbs left on his fingers before he pulled away, he could hear Jerrod’s breath hitch but his mind was more concentrated on his need to eat every morsel. 

Finally Jerrod backed away, for a moment he looked like he wanted to stay longer but he begrudgingly turned to leave after a beat. Iyasu’s mind was occupied with thoughts of Jerrod and the feel of his fingertips until Jerrod arrived again with more food and water. Every couple of days he would come and help Iyasu but after a while Iyasu grew paranoid.

“Why are you doing this?” Iyasu asked after a few visits. 

“Your punishment has been prolonged because of me.” Jerrod whispered in a sullen tone. He looked so torn that Iyasu’s heart stung with sympathy.

“I put myself here. It’s because I did something so unthinkable.” Iyasu said pathetically, it was a painful thing to acknowledge. “Stop blaming yourself.” 

“No,” Jerrod stepped closer and shook his head. “Mistress...Mistress Finn confronted me about what happened in the garden. Someone saw us talking and told him about it, Master Roland knows too.”

The statement made Iyasu’s stomach tighten in fear. Roland knew, that was probably the real reason his punishment was extended. He didn't know how much of a mess he would be right now if Jerrod wasn't there to sooth some of the torment. That didn't matter though, he didn't want Jerrod to risk his own safety any longer.  

“You have to stop this Jerrod. It’s not worth it, you didn’t cause this.” Iyasu pleaded. He laced his hands through the holes in the cage and leaned forward. “I don’t want you to be punished too.” 

Jerrod placed his own fingers on top of Iyasu’s and looked him in the eyes, his own light brown ones mixed with determination and sadness. 

“I don’t want to see you suffer anymore.” He whispered. Iyasu’s heart jumped at that statement but he couldn’t speak, he couldn’t find the words to reply. 

The moment was broken when they could hear noise upstairs making Jerrod snatch his hand away. He quickly left before anyone could come down and investigate. 

Iyasu was freed from the basement not long after that day.    

When he returned, Oliver was nowhere to be found.