Her doubt exasperated me, but I waited for her to continue.
"I only knew two of them… and only because I hold a certain status among the sirens. One was the one who betrayed us, and the other… I'm afraid he can no longer be found. He was with me in Hidria; he should be dead by now."
"I have many things to take care of here right now, Thalassa. I hope you understand that, even though what you did for my sister has earned you some goodwill, I can't leave just yet."
"That's fine!" she exclaimed quickly. "As long as you're willing to help, that's enough. I don't know if they'll attack the capital now or in a month…" She took my hand, her eyes full of gratitude. "But thank you. Thank you so much."
Her eyes began to fill with tears, as if all the weight she had been carrying had finally broken free.
Elizabeth moved closer to comfort her while I headed to the adjoining room to rest and give them some privacy. The sheets on the bed were cold, and their dark tone only made the night feel more distant.
Later, Elizabeth entered the room.
"Master?" she asked hesitantly, wondering if I was already asleep.
I opened my eyes and patted the spot beside me. She smiled, quickly shed her outer clothes, and slipped under the sheets to look at me with pure happiness.
"Cassian, I'm glad you're going to help her. I know what she did before was wrong, but I don't think it would be like you to refuse."
The certainty in her words surprised me. That she could speak without a trace of jealousy was already a lot, but that she was actually happy I was helping another woman? This definitely wasn't the old Elizabeth, though she didn't seem to have been hypnotized again either. She noticed my confusion and continued:
"You helped me too, remember? I was going to lose everything if you hadn't stepped in. I think Adela feels the same. Maybe that's why we tend to be so possessive—we know that any woman who truly gets to know you will end up discovering that side of you."
I didn't answer. I simply pulled her into my arms, sinking into the warmth and closeness of her body.
…
"Elizabeth!" a shrill voice woke us. "Eli? Where are you? I need to talk! I can't take it anymore! Master has been ignoring me for too long… I've been doing everything he asks, but it's useless!"
Her screams reached the room with perfect clarity.
Elizabeth got up first. The newcomer was about to continue her complaints when she froze at the sight of me stepping out behind her. Moments later, Thalassa appeared from the other room, her eyes still red. The woman's face flushed bright red with pure shame.
"You… you're here," she stammered.
"So… I'm ignoring you?" I asked, pronouncing her name with an amused smile, knowing exactly what she wanted. "Tell me, Elara… what exactly are you looking for from me?"
Her face turned even redder. She covered it with both hands and dropped to the floor in utter humiliation. I glanced at Elizabeth and gestured for her to take Thalassa and leave. Elizabeth shot me a slight reproachful look, but obeyed and led Thalassa away, leaving us alone.
"Looks like my masochistic princess can't go too long without her Master teaching her a lesson."
Elara lifted her face toward me. Though shame still colored her cheeks, expectation burned far brighter in her eyes.
I approached slowly, letting the silence stretch long enough for her to feel the full weight of my gaze. With two fingers I lifted her chin firmly, forcing her to meet my eyes.
She swallowed hard but didn't look away. Her slightly parted lips betrayed just how much she craved the punishment, the sweet humiliation only I knew how to give her.
"Kneel," I ordered.
Elara obeyed instantly, lowering herself gracefully to the floor. Her knees touched the cold wood and a small shiver ran through her body. It wasn't just fear… it was pure anticipation.
"Good girl," I murmured, sliding my fingers through her hair and tugging gently to tilt her head back. "But good girls don't provoke their Master. Good girls wait patiently…"
My eyes darkened with pleasure as I watched her bite her lower lip, fighting not to beg.
"Tell me…" I leaned closer, my breath brushing her ear, "what do you think you deserve this time as punishment?"
Elara breathed shakily.
"Whatever… my Master decides," she whispered.
I didn't smile. My expression was cold, almost severe.
"Stand up."
The moment she obeyed, I grabbed her arm roughly and shoved her against the stone wall. With a flick of my hand, dark threads of shadow rose from the floor and bound her wrists above her head, stretching her mercilessly.
"Impatient. Loud. You think you can scream my name through like a bitch in heat just because I haven't touched you in a while?"
Without warning, I pressed my palm against her stomach. A wave of energy surged through Elara's body—sharp pleasure mixed with intense pain. Heat flooded her like liquid fire, concentrating on her most sensitive spots.
Elara arched her back and let out a choked moan, her legs shaking violently.
I didn't ease the intensity. Instead, I increased it, making each wave crueler and deeper.
"Look at you," I said harshly, gripping her jaw to force her to meet my eyes. "So desperate… Does it make you this happy when your Master punishes you?"
Elara nodded through her tears, her body convulsing. Another broken moan escaped her throat as my energy grew even stronger, pushing her to the edge between pleasure and pain without letting her fall into either.
I pulled my hand away abruptly. Elara gasped, trembling violently, her legs barely holding her up.
"Enough," I ordered coldly.
The shadows released her wrists and she collapsed to the floor instantly. I stood over her, looking down.
"Now it's your turn."
Elara lifted her gaze, her eyes glassy and full of tears, yet shining with pure masochistic need. Without a word, she crawled forward urgently and began to serve me, trembling with anticipation at every reaction I gave.
I tangled my fingers in her hair roughly and pulled her head back just enough to look into her eyes.
"Deeper," I growled. "And don't stop until I say so."
Elara obeyed without resistance, giving herself completely. The wet sounds of her mouth and her muffled moans filled the room as I used her throat hard and without mercy.
After several minutes, I clenched my jaw and finally let go.
"Swallow," I ordered.
Elara swallowed everything I gave her without spilling a drop. Then she rested her forehead against my thigh, breathing hard, completely exhausted and satisfied.
I ran my fingers through her damp hair, this time with an almost gentle touch.
"Good girl…" I murmured. "But the next time I hear you whining like a bitch in heat, remember that I won't satisfy you."
Elara could only nod weakly, still trembling with exhaustion. A small, broken, satisfied smile appeared on her swollen lips.
"Yes, Master…"