Ye Lan dangled the silken cord in her hand, her voice a low, velvet murmur that carried a seductive edge.
“To play some delightful games with my adorable little pet, of course.”
Mu Xi’s heart sank with a silent groan, but she had no choice but to play along.
She turned slowly, lowering herself onto the bed, her skin prickling as Ye Lan’s cool fingers grazed her flesh.
Her clothes were peeled away, one by one, as the silken cord wound around her pale skin, leaving faint red marks in its wake.
Bound to the bed, Mu Xi felt like a fish on a cutting board, utterly at the mercy of another’s whims.
Ye Lan stood at the bedside, her gaze sharp as a blade, roaming over Mu Xi’s form.
That look, ravenous and all-consuming, sent shivers racing across Mu Xi’s skin, raising goosebumps in their path.
“Masterā¦” Mu Xi’s voice trembled, barely a whisper, “could youā¦ make it quick?”
The sensation was unbearable, each moment stretching into a torment akin to a thousand tiny cuts.
Ye Lan’s lips curved into a sly smile as she reached out, her fingers brushing Mu Xi’s cheek.
“What’s this? My little pet is so eager already?”
Mu Xi’s throat tightened, a hard swallow betraying her nerves.
Shame and anticipation tangled within her, and she gave a faint nod.
“I wantā¦ everything you give me, Masterā¦”
Ye Lan’s smile deepened, satisfied.
She climbed onto the bed with a predator’s grace, leaning close to whisper in Mu Xi’s ear.
“Then let us savor this night to its fullest.”
Her cool lips grazed Mu Xi’s neck, sparking a tremor that rippled through her.
Closing her eyes, Mu Xi surrendered to the enveloping warmth of Ye Lan’s presence.
It was destined to be a long, unforgettable night, steeped in desire and the thrill of forbidden pleasure.
Deep within the opulent manor, a secret and fervent game unfolded.
Moonlight filtered through the gothic stained-glass windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor, silent witnesses to the scene.
The next morning, soft sunlight spilled through the same windows, warming Mu Xi’s skin and coaxing her from sleep.
She opened her eyes slowly, only to find the space beside her emptyāYe Lan had vanished sometime in the night.
Mu Xi shifted, wincing as a wave of soreness washed over her.
Glancing down, she saw the evidence of the previous night etched across her body: red welts from the cords, scattered kiss marks blooming like cherry blossoms, and the distinct imprint of teeth, all testaments to the wild abandon of hours past.
She forced herself upright, dressing gingerly before stumbling to the bathroom.
Cool water splashed against her face, easing the fog of exhaustion.
As she prepared to leave the bathroom, the sound of footsteps echoed outside.
“My dear little pet, did you sleep well?” Ye Lan swept into the room, carrying a tray of delicate pastries and a tub of vanilla ice cream.
She set the food on the bedside table, her gaze locking onto Mu Xi with a smile that held depths of meaning.
Mu Xi’s heart stirred, recalling her promise with Tuesday.
Blinking up with wide, glistening eyes, she pouted playfully.
“Master, can you take me out to play today?”
Ye Lan’s brow furrowed, her tone firm and unyielding.
“Not today. I have matters to attend to. Stay here, and don’t go anywhere.”
Mu Xi’s spirits sank, but she dared not defy Ye Lan.
Lowering her head, she murmured, “Yes, Master.”
Once Ye Lan left, Mu Xi exhaled a long breath, muttering complaints under her breath.
She could only hope Tuesday would be clever enough to avoid detection.
At the bedside, she nibbled on a creamy cake, the sweetness spreading across her tongue, followed by a spoonful of ice cream that sent a shiver through her with its cold, silky touch.
After breakfast, as was her habit, Mu Xi tossed the supposed “mind-dulling” pill out the window.
A breeze swept through, tousling her silver-white hair, and with it came a sudden, daring idea.
Cautiously, she leaned out, studying the window’s edge.
To her surprise, it connected to a narrow ledge along the manor’s outer wallājust wide enough for someone to inch along.
But the path was fraught with danger.
Swallowing hard, Mu Xi peered down at the lush forest below, wondering if something soft could cushion a fall.
Perhaps, just perhaps, she could escape through this window.
Lost in her plans, she nearly missed the sound of approaching footsteps.
She jerked back, feigning nonchalance as her heart pounded wildly in her chest.
The door swung open, revealing Ye Lan’s silhouette.
Her lips curled into a half-smile as she asked, “What’s my little pet up to? You seem awfully tense.”
Mu Xi forced a calm smile, her expression all innocence.
“Nothing, Master. Just admiring the view outside.”
Ye Lan stepped closer, her cool fingers tracing Mu Xi’s cheek.
“Is that so? Remember, my pet, this is your home. The world out thereā¦ it’s far too dangerous.”
A chill ran through Mu Xi at the touch, and she lowered her gaze.
“I understand, Master.”
Satisfied, Ye Lan nodded and left the room.
Mu Xi let out a shaky breath, glancing back at the window.
The sunlight was radiant, the leaves swaying gently in the breeze, beckoning her toward freedomāso close, yet impossibly far.
The picturesque view held no allure for her now.
She turned to the bathroom, letting warm water cascade over her skin, soothing and comforting.
Closing her eyes, her mind drifted to amusing tales from her past life, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.
Mimicking a memory, she let herself unwind in the shower, savoring the subtle thrill of indulgence.
Refreshed, she slipped into a pale pink gauze dress, its light fabric clinging like a second skin.
She began searching the room, eyes scanning every corner for anything that could serve as a weapon.
But Ye Lan had anticipated herādespite the room’s spaciousness, nothing useful remained, not even a single hard object.
Disappointed, Mu Xi’s gaze settled on the bathroom mirror.
It was a risky choice, but perhaps her only option for self-defense.
Time dragged on, each moment stretching into eternity as day faded into night.
Mu Xi felt as if a year had passed.
Lying on the soft bed, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep, her mind replaying every word of her conversation with Tuesday, dissecting each detail for hidden clues.
As night fell, Ye Lan appeared at the door, catching Mu Xi on the verge of sleep.
Startled, she leapt from the bed, flitting to Ye Lan like an eager bird, pouting about her boredom and pleading to be taken out.
“Oh? And where does my little pet wish to go?” Ye Lan’s fingers wove through Mu Xi’s hair, her voice low and magnetic.
Mu Xi blinked up with wide, hopeful eyes, calculating how far she could push Ye Lan’s boundaries.
Leaving the manor was out of the question for nowāshe’d have to tread carefully.
“I want to go to the media room,” she cooed, her voice sugary and pleading.
“Watch a movie, play some gamesā¦ please, Master?”
Ye Lan paused, considering.
The media room was safe, guarded, and free of dangerous objects.
“Very well,” she said, a fond smile playing on her lips as she pinched Mu Xi’s cheek.
“As you wish.”
Overjoyed, Mu Xi wrapped her arms around Ye Lan, peppering her face with grateful kisses.
The soft contact sent a jolt through Ye Lan, her breath quickening.
Her eyes, deep and complex, locked onto Mu Xi, a suppressed fire flaring within.
Mu Xi’s fervor ignited something in Ye Lan, and restraint crumbled.
Sweeping Mu Xi into her arms, she tumbled onto the bed, and an unspoken battle of passion reignited.