At Ye Lan’s words, Mu Xi’s eyes brimmed with tears, her throat tightening as she tried to speak, but no words came.
Her tears glistened, unshed, painting her delicate face with an air of fragile sorrow.
Ye Lan let out a soft sigh, her arms gently lifting Mu Xi from the cold floor.
“Forget it. Let’s go back,” she murmured, striding out of the dungeon.
Cradled in Ye Lan’s embrace, Mu Xi felt the faint, intoxicating fragrance of her captor’s presence.
A quiet breath of relief escaped her lips, her heart whispering, ‘That was too close…’
As the heavy dungeon door groaned shut, Mu Xi’s gaze lingered on Tuesday for one final moment.
Guilt and helplessness churned within her, a bitter tangle of emotions.
‘I’m sorry…’ she thought, her voice silent.
‘I’m powerless to help you…’
Ye Lan carried Mu Xi away, her footsteps echoing through the hollow corridor.
The warmth of Ye Lan’s chest pressed against her, and Mu Xi sank into a whirlpool of thoughts.
In that moment, the perilous reality of her situation crystallized—she was trapped in a gilded cage, both a cherished pet and disposable toy.
Mu Xi closed her eyes, the faint jingle of the golden bell around her neck ringing in her ears.
Each chime was a warning: one misstep, and her fate could be worse than Tuesday’s.
***
Back in the room, Ye Lan set Mu Xi gently on the bed before turning to the wardrobe.
She pulled out a white kitten outfit, her eyes glinting with anticipation.
Mu Xi stared at the costume, a wave of unspoken emotions swelling within her.
“Come, little kitten,” Ye Lan cooed, her voice soft as velvet.
“Let me make you even cuter.”
Mu Xi rose obediently, letting Ye Lan dress her in the outfit.
The soft fabric clung to her slight frame, a pink cat-ear headband nestled in her silver hair, the tail swaying lightly behind her.
Glancing down at herself, Mu Xi couldn’t deny it—she looked like a perfect, pampered pet.
Ye Lan stepped back, her gaze sweeping over her creation with admiration.
Her eyes traced Mu Xi’s porcelain-doll face, her lively eyes, and the lashes that fluttered like butterfly wings.
Mu Xi’s fair skin glowed against the pink fabric, her rosy lips slightly pursed, tempting and untouchable.
“Perfect,” Ye Lan whispered, her eyes alight with satisfaction.
She left the room briefly, returning with a saucer of milk in her hands.
Setting it on the floor, she drew a delicate collar from her pocket.
“Come here,” she beckoned softly.
Mu Xi hesitated for a heartbeat but obeyed, stepping forward.
Ye Lan fastened the collar around her neck, its cold touch sending a shiver through Mu Xi’s body.
Satisfied, Ye Lan sank onto the bed, crossing her legs with elegant ease.
She pointed to the saucer.
“Now, get down and drink like a kitten.”
Mu Xi took a deep breath and nodded.
Kneeling on the floor, she let out a few soft “meows” before leaning forward, her lips hovering over the milk.
“Wait,” Ye Lan interrupted.
“No sipping. Use your tongue.”
Mu Xi glanced up, her expressive eyes flickering with a complex emotion.
But she lowered her head, her small, pink tongue darting out to lap at the milk.
Ye Lan watched, utterly captivated.
Mu Xi’s silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, her white cat ears trembling faintly, her tongue making soft sounds as it touched the milk.
A flush of shame tinted Mu Xi’s pale cheeks, lending her an irresistible allure.
A surge of triumph filled Ye Lan’s heart.
This exquisite, unique kitten was hers alone.
Mu Xi finished the last drop, her tongue numb from the faint sweetness lingering in her mouth.
Panting softly, she caught her breath as Ye Lan rose, scooping her up and settling her on the plush bed.
“Well done, kitten,” Ye Lan purred, her fingers gliding through Mu Xi’s silver hair, her touch as smooth as silk.
“Lie down and rest now.”
Mu Xi complied, sinking into the soft bedding.
Ye Lan stretched out beside her, her slender fingers tracing Mu Xi’s cheek.
“Mu Xi,” she said, her voice gentle yet laced with a probing edge, “do you really not know Tuesday? Don’t be afraid. I won’t be angry, no matter your answer. You know how much I adore you.”
Mu Xi’s heart thudded, alarm bells ringing in her mind.
She knew Ye Lan too well—behind this tenderness lurked a dangerous trap.
Admitting anything would unleash a storm of fury.
“Master, I truly don’t know him,” Mu Xi replied without hesitation, her voice tinged with grievance.
“I belong only to you.”
A flicker of approval passed through Ye Lan’s deep eyes.
She nodded, letting the matter drop.
“Good. Tuesday has been dealt with,” she said, her tone suddenly icy.
“No man is allowed in this manor. Rest assured, no one will taint your purity.”
Mu Xi hid a bitter smile.
‘Purity?’
After being toyed with daily, what purity did she have left?
But she forced a grateful look, whispering, “Thank you for protecting me, Master.”
The room fell silent.
Mu Xi sensed Ye Lan’s breathing quicken, and she braced for what was coming.
As expected, Ye Lan rolled atop her, desire burning in her eyes.
“Kitten,” she rasped, her voice low and husky, “lick me.”
Mu Xi nodded obediently, her delicate tongue grazing Ye Lan’s smooth skin.
She felt Ye Lan tremble, a satisfied sigh escaping her lips as her fingers wove into Mu Xi’s hair.
The night deepened, the room filled with stifled gasps and soft moans.
Passing guards blushed at the sounds, hurrying away.
On the bed, the two were lost in a sea of desire, time slipping away unnoticed.
Mu Xi moved mechanically, her mind drifting far away.
She thought of Tuesday, “dealt with,” and wondered if he was safe.
But Ye Lan’s moans snapped her back, and she redoubled her efforts until exhaustion claimed her.
***
In her dreams, Mu Xi saw that dark, chaotic room again—a cage of despair.
Hiding under a table, she watched her parents’ brutal murder unfold.
She jolted awake, gasping, her eyes wide with terror.
Ye Lan, gazing at Mu Xi’s sleeping face, frowned with concern.
“What’s wrong?”
Mu Xi swallowed her fear, whispering, “Just a nightmare.”
Ye Lan smiled softly, stroking Mu Xi’s silver hair.
“Don’t be afraid,” she said.
“I’m here.”