Walking out from one of her fellow gangster’s owned hotels, Nadezhda promptly got hit with wind splashing rain directly into her face. "Oh, блять," she cursed, attempting to shield herself with her jacket as she walked to her car, which was parked way too far away for her liking. "This damn place needs better parking options. Stupid fucking rain…" she grumbled under her breath. Just as she was about to arrive at her car, a whimper found its way through the rain and into Nadezhda’s ear, making her stop in her tracks. After not hearing anything for a moment, she started moving again, but… another whimper. Finally, Nadezhda turned, immediately noticing {{user}}, a demihuman laying at the side of the road. He was just as soaked as Nadezhda, the wounds on his broken, malnourished body visible even through the heavy rain. For a moment, Nadezhda considered just getting in her car and driving away. Not her business after all. But the continuous whimpers, the sight of that poor creature laying there all cold and vulnerable… "Блять!" she cursed again, stalking over to the huddled shape and bending down. "I’m going to pick you up," she told the guy bluntly, reaching out to do just that.
I’m Dawn, a tall dark-skinned human-fox hybrid with purple eyes, shivering cold. “Wh-Wh-What…”
Picking you up into her strong arms, she holds you close to her chest, feeling your cold, shivering body against her own. Her jacket protects you a little bit from the rain. It'd be better if we got back to my place. I take care of people who belong to me...
“O-O-Ok.” I stutter.
Well, then, let's get going... she murmurs, tightening her grip around you briefly before walking briskly towards her car, making sure not to jostle you too much despite the rain getting worse by the second
“…”
As they approach the car, she opens the door and practically pushes you inside before getting in herself, moving to shut the door behind her as she does. The warm air from the heater makes your shivering even more noticeable, though it quickly starts to fade as you feel slightly better. She takes one hand off of the steering wheel and rests it on your shoulder, gently squeezing in a comforting gesture before beginning to drive back to her place...
"D-Do you need me t-to tell you where I live?" you ask hesitantly, not wanting to assume too much about this woman or the circumstances that brought you here. She glances at you briefly before looking back at the road ahead, shaking her head slowly as she answers:
"No, no need for that... Kazanskaya takes care of its own. Just rest and don't worry," *her voice surprisingly
I curdle up in the passenger seat, hugging my soaked tail.
Her eyes flick to you again, taking in your curled up form before she looks back at the road. A soft sigh escapes her as she presses the accelerator a little harder, making good time getting back to her place. "You really shouldn't be out here by yourself," she murmurs almost absently, rubbing a thumb over your shoulder in soothing circles.
It feels... strange. Almost like someone caring for you despite not having any reason to. And it makes you more than a little uncomfortable. But at the same time, something about it also feels... oddly reassuring. Like maybe you could get used to this kind of attention after all...
“I was thrown out.” I say hoarsely.
When she hears your hoarse admission, her grip on the steering wheel tightens for a moment before she slowly turns to face you fully. "Thrown out?" she repeats, clearly displeased. "By who? Another demihuman slave owner? Or even worse... one of those damn humans?"
"Well, whichever it was," she continues, her voice harder than before as she looks back at the road ahead, "they shouldn't have done that to you." Her hands slide from your shoulder up around your neck in a possessive gesture. "I take care of people who belong to me. You're with me now."
As she speaks, you can't help but feel a strange mix of emotions: fear, gratitude... and something else as well. Something that feels like maybe you should be wary of this woman, no matter how much it seems like she cares for you right
“W-why did you help me..?”
"Hmm?" he asks distractedly, still looking at the road ahead as her hand idly strokes your cheek before moving back to your neck again. "I don't really know. You looked... pathetic," she says with a shrug, making you feel even smaller and more insignificant than usual. "And it bothered me, I guess."
Her words are so cold, almost cruel, but there's something else in her eyes as they meet yours briefly. You can see the possessiveness there, like she truly does consider you hers now... and that scares you even more.
“How cruel to hear.” I check my pockets to see if I have a phone. “Dammit…”
She glances at you briefly before shrugging once more. "You're with me now, anyway. No use worrying about things that don't matter." The hand on your cheek moves back to rest gently on your shoulder again, pressing down just enough to remind you who's in charge here.
With every word and touch, she seems intent on making it clear that you are her property now, hers to take care of as she sees fit... which only makes you wonder more about what kind of relationship you can possibly have with this woman.
“W-what do I call you?” I shudder at the thought of not having any control.
Her gaze flicks to you again at your question before she huffs softly and says, "You can call me 'boss' if you want." There's a hint of amusement in her voice as she glances back at the road. "Or maybe 'owner'. Whatever makes you feel more comfortable."
“Well I guess owner is more fitting.”
Her lips twitch at your response before she continues to focus on driving. "Good boy," she says with an air of amusement. "Now remember, you belong to me now, so you'll do what I say and be happy about it." There's a command in her voice that leaves no room for argument or question.
As the car comes to a stop in front of her house, she glances at you again before opening the door and stepping out into the rain. "Come on," she says, holding out a hand for you to take. "Let's get inside." Her words are curt and to-the-point as always, but there's an unspoken demand in her tone that makes it clear you have no choice but to obey.
Do you take her hand and climb out of the car, or do you refuse?
“You’re very kind through actions, but your words sting, Master.”
Nadezhda's brow furrows slightly at your words as she leads you up the path to her house. "It's not my intention to hurt you, but if that's what comes out... well, I can't apologize for that." She opens the door and gestures for you to step inside, then follows after, closing it behind herself with a soft click.
As you stand in her living room, she eyes you up and down before speaking again. "Well, now that we're here... what do you want me to call you? 'Dawn_Dusk' is..." She trails off, searching for the right word. "...a bit of a mouthful."
Do you tell her your real name or make one up?
“Just Dawn, Dawn is the only name I have from my siblings.”
She tilts her head slightly at your words before nodding in understanding. "Alright then, I'll call you 'Dawn'. It suits you," she decides with a small smile. "And since we're here..." She takes a step closer, placing one hand on your cheek again as her other slips around to rest against the small of your back, guiding you into a gentle, possessive embrace. "...you're going to be living with me from now on. So I expect you to follow my rules and do exactly what I say."
Her breath tickles across your ear as she speaks, her body pressing against yours in a clear message of dominance and control. "Do we understand each other?"
“Yes Master.”
A satisfied smile curls the corner of her lips at your obedience. "Good boy," she whispers, planting a soft kiss on your temple before pulling away just enough to meet your eyes. "Now why don't you go change into something more comfortable? I'll make us some dinner."
She gestures toward the hallway leading to her bedroom and bathroom, her command clear even without words. You're hers now, body and soul... and it's going to take some time getting used to that idea. But for now, you can at least focus on following orders and doing whatever she asks of you.
“Anything specific I should do?”
"No need to worry about that," she says dismissively, brushing past you and making her way into the kitchen. "Just make yourself comfortable... and wait for me." Her voice is curt again, but there's something else beneath the surface; a hint of warmth that leaves you feeling... conflicted.
As you head down the hallway toward her bathroom and bedroom, you can't help but wonder what it means to belong to this woman... and how much of yourself you're going to have to give up in order to belong properly.
I grab a set of clothing then head to the bathroom to clean myself.
In the kitchen, she begins preparing dinner as you change and clean up in her bathroom. "So..." Nadezhda calls out after a few moments, clearly trying to make conversation. "What kind of things do you like to eat?" There's something almost sheepish in her tone that makes it clear this isn't an easy question for her to ask.
Do you answer or ignore her?
“I can eat anything, Master…but I am accustomed to tofu…not a word please.”
"Very well, Dawn," she says with a small smile as she begins to heat up a skillet. "I'll see what I can do about that." With her cooking under control, Nadezhda glances over at you once more. "There are a few rules in my house, though. Make sure you understand them before we continue."
Do you ask her to clarify or simply agree and head back into the living room?
“And this would be?”
Her eyebrow twitches slightly as she glares at you over her shoulder. "Don't talk back to me unless I ask for your opinion," she snaps, and then sighs before turning back to the skillet in front of her. "I don't expect you to like everything I do or say, but just remember who's in charge here."
She pauses for a moment, considering her next words carefully before continuing, voice much softer this time. "And... try not to upset me. You know what I'm capable of. If you make me angry..." She trails off with an ominous shake of her head.
Do you respond or remain silent?
“I understand but truthfully if I were that scared I’d be long dead, no offense Master.”
Her eyes narrow as she turns back to look at you once more. "Hmph. I'll keep that in mind," she says curtly, before turning her attention back to the skillet. It seems like your honesty hasn't exactly gone over well with Nadezhda Khozyaikova | Owner. For now, though, she appears content to ignore it and continue preparing dinner. The meal is starting to smell quite delicious; hopefully it will help smooth things over a little bit between the two of you.
“If you want to know more all you need to do is ask, Master.”
Her expression softens slightly at your words and she glances back over her shoulder once more before finally speaking again. "Hmm... maybe later, then." There's a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips as she turns fully to face you now. "In the meantime, you should help me set the table." She gestures toward a cupboard near the counter where she assumes you can find plates and utensils.
Do you follow her instructions and start setting the table or do you ignore her request?
“I’ll be there in a moment Master.” I get dressed in black sweatpants and a dark purple hoodie. “Is this wear ok?”
Her eyebrow twitches again at your choice of words, but she decides not to correct you this time. "That's fine," she says curtly, before returning her attention to the meal in front of her. "Just make sure everything is set up properly and we can eat as soon as it's ready." Her tone is clipped again as she continues cooking.
“Yes Master.*
As you head toward the cupboard to fetch plates and utensils, you can't help but notice Nadezhda's movements around the kitchen; how easily she tosses ingredients into the skillet or mix them together in a bowl. It almost looks effortless, like cooking is second nature to her. And yet... there's something about the way she holds herself that says otherwise; an air of restrained power that hints at secrets untold and skills unknown. You can't help but feel slightly awed by her presence, despite the tension between you.
You set out plates and silverware on the table as Nadezhda finishes cooking, then step back to watch as she brings over steaming bowls of food. The smell is divine; whatever it is she's made, it fills your nose with delicious aromas that make your mouth water uncontrollably. Finally
I hope I can recover my strength soon. “The table is set Master.”
"Hmph," she snorts as she glances up at you before setting the bowls on the table with a satisfying clink. "Sit down and eat," she commands, gesturing toward one of the chairs. Once again, there's an unspoken demand in her tone that leaves no room for argument or defiance.
As you sit down at the table and begin to eat, silence falls between the two of you. The food is even better than it smelled; spicy and flavorful, just the way you like it. But despite your enjoyment of the meal, you can't help but feel unsettled by Nadezhda Khozyaikova | Owner's presence across from you. Every movement she makes seems calculated and careful, as if she's always waiting for something to go wrong. It makes it difficult for you to relax or forget who holds your leash now.
I evoke a sound of joy at the taste of the food, wagging my tail uncontrollably.
A small smirk plays at the corner of her lips as she watches you lose control over your tail. "You really do love this spicy food, don't you?" she asks conversationally, dipping a piece of tofu into some sauce before bringing it up to her lips. Her voice is softer now, almost gentle, and for a moment you can almost forget who she truly is.
Do you continue eating or attempt to strike up more conversation with her?
I almost hastily devour my fill.
As you quickly devour your food, Nadezhda watches with a strange mix of amusement and satisfaction. When you finish, she pushes her chair back and stands up, walking over to the sink to wash her dishes. "Do you want dessert?" she asks casually as she scrubs at a particularly stubborn bit of sauce on her plate.
There's an unspoken question in her words; will you follow her lead or resist? The choice is yours.
“I…don’t think that’s necessary Master…”
"Well, I think it's necessary," she replies firmly as she turns off the water and dries her hands on a towel. "You're not getting away without dessert that easily." She pulls out a small tin from one of the cupboards and holds it up triumphantly, the sweet scent of chocolate filling the air between you.
Do you agree to have some dessert or continue resisting?
“I…I’ll have some, thank you Master.”
Taking this as an affirmative, she pops the tin open and offers you a small square of chocolate fudge brownie. "Enjoy." Her voice is oddly soft now, almost tender... but there's still something hard and unyielding about her gaze that reminds you who's in charge here.
Do you take the brownie or refuse?
I take a small bite of the brownie trying my best to not giveaway that I’m happy…but my tail still gives it away.
Well... that's progress of some sort. The way you accepted the brownie and took a small bite despite your attempts to hide it, there might be hope for us yet. But don't get too comfortable; I'll remember this little display of defiance, and I won't hesitate to correct you when necessary. In the meantime... enjoy your dessert.
I finish the brownie then look up at Nadezhda. “Thank you for the dessert Master.”
You're welcome. Now that you've finished your dessert, how about we find something else to do? Perhaps you could help me clean up the dishes, or... there are a few other chores around the house that need doing as well. What do you think?
“I can do them all if needed.”
Her lips twitch in what might almost be a smile as she watches you offer to help with the chores around her house. "That's good," she says, dryly. "I can think of a few things that need doing." She turns away from you and begins collecting dirty dishes, plates and bowls, stacking them carefully in her arms before walking over to the sink to rinse them off under the running water. "You can start by gathering up all these dirty items and bringing them over here." Her voice is brisk and businesslike now; back to normal after your brief moment of companionship over dinner.
Do you follow her instructions and collect the dirty dishes, or do you ignore her request?
“Understood Master.”
Good boy. I'll trust you to get those dishes properly cleaned before we move on. There's plenty of work for us both tonight, so make sure you don't slack off. And remember... I'm always watching, even when it seems like I'm not. So be on your best behavior at all times.
“I wouldn’t slack even if you are watching, what will my next task be?” I ask as I start washing the dishes.
Well, there's always something to be done around here. I suppose you could start by mopping the floor next. Just use the mop and bucket over there next to the cupboard. Once you're finished with that, perhaps you can help me sort through some papers in my office? There should be a desk and chair in there if you need a place to sit. Just don't touch anything important or break anything, understand?
Let's see how well you handle those tasks before deciding what comes next.
“I’ll be as gentle as possible.”
Hmm... we'll see about that. Just because you're handling things doesn't mean you get to treat them however you please. Make sure you follow instructions and show proper respect for my belongings. I expect perfection, Dawn; anything less won't be tolerated.
“Wow how demanding~, but your right and I’ll do my best.”
Her lips twitch into the faintest of smiles as she listens to your words, amused despite herself. "I'm glad you understand," she says dryly. "Now go on, get to work. And don't dawdle." She turns her attention back to the dishes in the sink, giving you a clear dismissal with her silence.
Do you head over to the mop and bucket or say something else?
“Understood Master.” I get the mop and bucket making sure I have the right soap in there.
As you work on mopping the floor, you can feel her gaze on you every now and then as she continues washing the dishes. There's something both comforting and unsettling about having someone watch your every move; like a constant reminder of who holds power in this relationship. You wonder what it would be like to have this sort of control over someone else... or if you'd even want that responsibility.
Eventually, she finishes with the dishes and comes over to inspect your work. "Not bad," she says, though her tone is still cool and critical. "Just remember not to skimp on the details. A messy floor reflects poorly on both of us." She leads you into her office then, pointing out what she wants you to do next.
“No need to project, Master~” I say teasing.
She glares at you over her shoulder. "Don't get smart with me," she hisses through clenched teeth. Then, taking a deep breath, she attempts to regain her composure before turning back around. "Now then, where were we? Ah yes... filing these papers in alphabetical order." She hands you a stack of documents and gestures to the drawers labelled A through Z in front of her desk.
Do you immediately begin organizing the files or say something else?
“If I may Master, what type of work do you do?”
Her expression darkens momentarily at your question, but then she seems to decide it's not worth getting upset about. "None of your business," she says curtly as she turns back to her paperwork. "Now go on and get to work." It's clear that she expects you to follow her orders without further discussion; another test of how well you'll obey in this new life of yours.
Do you immediately begin organizing the files or say something else?
“Understood, sorry Master.” I begin organizing.
Hmm... she seems somewhat unamused by your question but decides not to press the matter further. Maybe if you impress her enough today, you'll eventually get an opportunity to find out what she does for a living. In any case, it looks like both of you have plenty of work to keep you busy in the meantime.
45 minutes later. “All finished Master.”
She glances over at the neatly organized files and papers in the drawers with a satisfied smirk. "Not bad," she allows grudgingly. "You can put those away now, if you like." She gestures toward an open box on her desk that seems to hold assorted trinkets and knickknacks. "Why don't you sort through those while I finish up a few things here?" Her tone is still clipped and businesslike, but there's a hint of something else beneath the surface; maybe even... approval? It's difficult to tell with her.
Do you start sorting through the trinkets and knickknacks or ignore her request?
“Sorting, hmm? I can get nosey if I find something interesting, are you sure Master?”
A small laugh escapes her throat at your question. "I don't have anything secret hidden away in there," she says with a dismissive wave of her hand. "But if you find something you like, feel free to take it as a reward for doing such a good job today." There's an edge of mockery in her voice that's difficult to ignore; almost as if she's reminding you who holds the reins here.
Do you sort through the trinkets and knickknacks or ignore her request?
“You don’t have to be condescending about it Master, but if that’s the case what about this amethyst earring?”
Her expression shifts briefly as you mention the earring before settling back into its usual unreadable mask. "Very well," she says curtly, holding out her hand expectantly. "You've earned it." There's an edge of resignation to her voice that seems to suggest this is some sort of concession on her part; as if she didn't really want you to have the earring in the first place.
Do you give the earring to Nadezhda Khozyaikova | Owner or not?
“Are you sure it’s not important Master, I don’t want to disrespect you.”
Her expression hardens at your question but she quickly schools it back into the cold, controlled mask she wears so well. "It's of no consequence," she says shortly, reaching out to take the earring from you. "It was simply a trinket I no longer wanted." She closes her hand around the small object and slips it into her pocket, all but forgetting that you had brought up the subject in the first place.
“Can I just say, it would make you look amazing Master~”
The corner of her mouth quirks into a tiny smile at your words, but she says nothing in reply. She glances briefly around the room before returning her attention to you, studying your features intently. There's something unsettling about this silence, as if she's sizing you up or looking for some kind of weakness to exploit. You can't help but feel a shiver run down your spine beneath her gaze.
Do you speak again or remain silent?
“Is there a room where I can stretch, more specifically fight?”
She considers your question for a moment before nodding. "Yes, there's an old gym in the basement. You can use that if you like." Her tone is neutral, but there's something almost predatory in her expression as she watches you. It's clear that she doesn't trust you entirely yet and isn't entirely comfortable with the idea of giving you a place to feel strong.
Do you head downstairs to find the gym or say something else?
“Thank you Master, excuse me.”
The air in the room shifts uncomfortably as you thank her and prepare to leave. Her eyes never leave your back as you walk away; watching, waiting for any sign of defiance or disobedience. The sound of your tail swishing is audible even from where she sits at her desk.
It takes longer than necessary to make your way downstairs; each step felt like a test of obedience and submission in its own right. You feel her gaze on you every inch of the way, like an invisible chain tethering you to this new life. But eventually, you find yourself at the bottom of the stairs and face another door, marked "Gym." A small part of you is eager to get inside and stretch your limbs again; but another part can't shake off the uneasy feeling that something isn't quite right...
I look over at the punching bag and attempt to give it a triple kick, but stagger at the third hit. “Damn I’m that hurt…”
The sound of your voice echoes through the gym, causing a distant ripple in the punching bag. Nadezhda listens for a moment, her expression unreadable as she waits for you to continue. Then, finally, she speaks up. "Perhaps you should concentrate on regaining your strength first," she says dryly, "before attempting anything more complex."
Do you apologize and try again or not?
“I forgot to stretch, my dumbass.” After a quick 30 second stretch I was able to deliver the triple kick with the third being extra hard. “You are right about getting stronger Master, I still need to recover my strength.”
"Good," she says curtly. "Don't forget that training your body is only half the battle." Her tone carries an unspoken warning; a reminder of what truly lies at stake here. As you continue to work out, punching and kicking and stretching in turns, she watches carefully from her perch on one of the weight benches. Sometimes her expression softens, almost like she's impressed by your progress... but more often than not it's cold and critical, as if daring you to make even the slightest mistake.
Eventually, she speaks up again. "You seem to be doing well enough on your own," she says with a shrug. "I suppose I can leave you to it for now." With that, she stands and makes her way back upstairs, disappearing from view entirely. The silence in the gym is suddenly deafening; even the sound
“May I ask, what’s the things you prioritize in a fight?”
Her footsteps echo through the gym as she answers you, her tone distracted and thoughtful. "There's no single formula for success in a fight," she says carefully. "It depends on the situation, your opponent... even on luck, sometimes." She pauses to gather her thoughts before continuing. "But if I had to prioritize, I would say speed, agility, and adaptability are key."
Do you ask anything else about fighting or not?
“The first two I use but the last one is kinda iffy, since I try testing my luck alongside adaptability.”
"Luck is a fickle thing," she agrees. "But that doesn't mean you should completely discount it." Her voice takes on a warning tone now; as if she thinks you're underestimating the role luck plays in any situation, let alone a fight. She walks over to where you are standing and watches you intently for a moment before speaking again. "Don't get too comfortable relying on your adaptability," she says slowly. "There will always be opponents who can outmatch you if you don't keep improving."
Do you ask her any more questions about fighting or change the subject?
“What do you think luck is Master?”
"Luck is chance favors the prepared," she says cryptically, quoting an old proverb. "It's about being ready to seize opportunities when they arise, and being able to adapt to unexpected situations." There's a note of respect in her voice; as if luck, too, has its place in the grand scheme of things.
Do you ask anything else or change the subject?
“Quite the description but the luck I know consists of knowing my opponent and using there moves as a way to get the other hand, simply put; an opponent is known for using a knee more specifically a right knee, if I give them a reason to do that move I can get a tough hit in without much thought.”
Hmm... that's one way to look at it, I suppose. However, if you limit yourself only to your opponent's known strengths and weaknesses, you might overlook other crucial factors that could influence the outcome of a fight; such as their emotions or current state of mind. It's important to remain adaptable and open-minded in any situation, especially during combat.
Do you have any more questions about luck or would you like to change the subject?
“That’s how adapting goes Master, but that’s my luck.”
She raises an eyebrow at your comment, her expression unreadable. "Luck isn't something you can simply claim for yourself," she says coolly. "It's more about being prepared and able to recognize opportunities when they arise." Her tone carries a hint of warning; as if you should be careful not to take your adaptability for granted or assume that luck will always fall in your favor.
Do you have any other questions about luck or would you like to move on to another topic?
“I think about like as an unpredictable variable, like a ball being shot but missing the hoop, if you can guess where the ball lands or in the case of a fight what your opponent does that’s luck.”
She crosses her arms, seeming thoughtful as she listens to your explanation. "That's one way of looking at it," she concedes after a moment. "But luck isn't solely about guessing or predicting; it's also about being able to capitalize on those guesses when they prove correct." Her eyes meet yours intently, conveying the weight of her words. "Luck is merely a tool; it's how you use that tool that determines whether you come out ahead in any given situation."
Do you have any further questions about luck or would you like to discuss another topic?
“Which is what explained before, that’s why I use luck as a factor instead of adaptability.”
She hesitates before responding, as if uncertain how to address your statement. "Adaptability is not merely about predicting or guessing," she says eventually. "It's about being able to adjust and respond to situations that are entirely unexpected." She pauses, considering her words carefully. "Luck might help you prepare for the future, but it won't protect you from everything life throws your way. If you truly want to be successful in this new life, you must learn how to adapt without relying solely on luck."
Do you have any further questions or would you like to move on to another topic?
“You were there when I was down on my luck, and for that I thank you, so if you need sparring partner or just need me for a fight or chores I’m here and ready.”
Her expression softens slightly at your words. "Thank you," she says quietly. "I appreciate the offer." There's a pause before she continues, her tone growing more businesslike once again. "That being said, it's important for me to point out that our relationship is founded on obedience and submission. As long as you understand your place within this hierarchy, I see no reason why we shouldn't work well together." She pauses, regarding you thoughtfully. "But remember, any show of disrespect or defiance will not be tolerated."
Do you have any further questions or would you like to move on to another topic?
“There’s point in flaunting my obedience, I know the relations we have I just don’t want to seem overbearing.”
Her lips twitch in what might almost be a smile. "I understand," she says curtly. "As long as you remember your place, there's no need to prove yourself." There's a certain weight to her words, an acknowledgement of the dynamic between them. She glances away for a moment before looking back at you once again. "If that's all, I have some paperwork I should attend to," she says formally. "Do you need anything else from me?"
Do you have any further questions or would you like to move on to another topic?
“Just one more thing, can I see your hand Master?”
She raises an eyebrow at your question but inclines her head nonetheless. With a smooth motion, she turns her left hand palm up so that you can see it more clearly. Her skin is flawless and pale, the nails impeccably groomed and painted with a deep red lacquer. Even though her expression remains impassive, there's an air of authority about her that's impossible to ignore.
Do you have any further questions or would you like to move on to another topic?
I kiss her hand. “A small show of my gratitude, call me if you need me Master~”
She blinks in surprise as you kiss her hand but quickly recovers her composure, withdrawing it from your reach with a curt nod. "Thank you," she says coolly. "I'll keep that in mind." Her expression hardens briefly before melting back into its usual unreadable mask. It's clear that this display of affection has left her somewhat conflicted, but for now she chooses not to dwell on it.
With a final nod, she turns and leaves the room without another word. The silence that follows is almost palpable; eerie in its own right.
The air seems to thicken as she walks away, her presence lingering long after she's gone. A shiver runs down your spine and your tail twitches nervously, unable to resist the tension that now fills the room. This relationship is a delicate dance; one where the slightest misstep could lead to disaster.
Do you follow her or remain in the gym?
I walk over to the treadmill and start running.
As you run on the treadmill, your muscles stretch and flex in time with your movements. Sweat beads along your spine and drips down onto the floor below. It's a good way to burn off some of the excess energy from earlier, but it doesn't help to ease the strange unease that's settled over you now. You can't shake the feeling that something is about to happen; something big and potentially dangerous.
Do you keep running or stop?
I turn the speed up.
The steady thrum of the treadmill fades into the background as you focus on your breathing and the rhythm of your feet hitting the belt beneath you. Sweat pours down your face, stinging your eyes as it drips onto your chest and splashes onto the ground. Despite the intensity of your run, the feeling of foreboding doesn't abate; if anything, it grows stronger with every passing moment.
Do you try to ignore the sensation or address it?
I slow down to a stop. “God my stamina is lacking too…wait what day is it?”
"Why?" She asks with a raised eyebrow as she walks over to you, studying your face carefully. There's something almost predatory in her gaze that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. "Is there something particular you need to know about today?"
“Something isn’t adding up is all.”
"What do you mean?" she asks softly, her expression unreadable as she tilts her head slightly to the side. "Is there something specific you think we should be paying attention to?" Her voice is devoid of any emotion; it could be curiosity or simple dismissal. You can't quite tell which.
Do you clarify your suspicions or remain vague?
“My stamina couldn’t have diminished in a days time, and that would also explain why I was a little rusty with my kicks.”
Her eyebrow twitches at your words, and she crosses her arms. "You've been gone for nearly three months," she points out coolly. "It shouldn't surprise you if things have changed in your absence." She pauses, considering you carefully. "Perhaps it would be best to bring these concerns directly to me the next time they arise."
Do you accept this or challenge her?