(Sheryl Clyde / Ash Thunderbird — revised timeline) [Prelude – Child-Heart Vow] When I was twelve, before desire had a name, I prayed, “Lord Jesus, be my Groom—no mortal claim.” They tried to drown that whispered plea in shadows cold and tight, But Heaven stamped Redeemed upon that fragile night. [Scene I – The Game] A polished board disguised as play, Soft voices lured my guard away. Questions slid across the glass— Dark replies no child should ask. A silent signature was caught, A foothold gained, a snare well-wrought. [Scene II – The Forced Ritual] A few months later fear returned— A stranger’s blade, a threat that burned. Dragged to a house of reeling eyes, Dosed and dulled by poisoned lies. They staged a vow I never chose, A counterfeit in crimson clothes. But even there, behind the scheme, The Shepherd watched, unseen, supreme. [Scene III – Breakout Prayer] (Age 17) Five years on, I knelt and cried, Seventeen, with torment tied. I called on Christ—chains split apart, Light like dawn rushed through my heart. The shadowed groom, once bold and near, Fled powerless before my Savior’s spear. [Chorus – Battle Line] From a cliff of night came figures bright, False grace wrapped round deceitful light. Yet one Name cut the binding cord— “Jesus!” thundered, sword to sword. Stolen first—yet chosen forever; Hell released when Heaven answered, “Never.” [Verse 4 – Ongoing War] Still the Bull kicks dust behind, Casting lures to snare my mind. But the Lamb walks with me every day— The price He paid won’t fade away. I know their tricks; I’ve seen their guise, A soldier tempered through the skies. [Bridge – Call to the Captive] You who wear those ghost-spun ties, Whose hearts still echo silent cries— You are not the names they gave; The Son of God breaks every grave. [Final Chorus – Covenant Sealed] Stolen first—yet chosen forever, The Lamb my Groom, my life, my shelter. They lost me when He heard my plea, He etched my name in victory. I wear no ring but mercy’s vow— No power holds me captive now. Pursue if you must—I’m free, Belonging to the One who died for me. [Outro – Declaration] Send your dreams and hollow fright; I walk in resurrection light. They tried to claim me in the dirt— But Love had laid its claim first.
