Page 1 of Obsidian Desire

Chapter one

An Invitation

KaelisMonroestaredatthe sleek black card in her hand, the name Echelon embossed in gold. She couldn’t stop thinking about the man with the piercing gaze who seemed to see through her entirely just days before, at an exclusive gala she had attended after promising herself to try something new.

That night, she had been smoothing the fabric of her emerald-green dress, the satin clinging to her curves in a way that both empowered and unnerved her, reaching for a glass of champagne when she felt the weight of someone’s gaze. When she turned, she locked eyes with him as he stood across the room, exuding confidence, his tailored suit sharp enough to cut glass and a smirk that promised mischief. Her heart had jumped when he began crossing the room with deliberate strides, stopping just short of her personal space.

“You look like someone who’s curious about breaking the rules,” he had said, his voice deep and smooth.

Kaelis blinked, unsure of whether to be offended or intrigued, but the magnetic pull of his presence made her stay. Then she had learned his name: Damian Blackthorn. Over the next few minutes, Damian had teased her about her guarded demeanor, his sharp observations leaving her flushed and defensive. “You hide your desires well,” he had murmured, leaning closer, “but I can see them.” Kaelis had laughed nervously, unsure of how he could see through her so easily. Before the evening ended, Damian had handed her a sleek black card with the name Echelon embossed in gold.

She had debated it fiercely, but curiosity got the better of her. Now she was here, dressed carefully in a flowing blouse and tailored pants, wanting to look confident but not overdressed. As she approached the unmarked door in a quiet part of the city, her heart pounded.

His words echoed through her mind. “Come see what it’s like to let go,” leaving her with a smirk and the faintest touch of his fingers against hers.

The moment she stepped inside, she was greeted by a world she had never imagined. Echelon was luxurious, the decor rich in deep reds and blacks, with soft lighting casting intimate shadows. A young, blonde woman dressed in sleek leather approached her, offering a welcoming smile. “You must beKaelis,” she said. Her hand gestured gracefully into the heart of the club as if she already knew why Kaelis was here and where she needed—or wanted.—to go. Kaelis followed. She could barely contain her nerves as she took in the opulence and the subtle hum of energy in the air. Couples whispered in corners, the occasional sound of laughter mixing with the faint notes of music.

Damian appeared seemingly out of nowhere, his commanding presence grounding her. “I see you decided to accept my invitation,” he said with a small smile. His voice was calm, but carried an undertone of power that both unsettled and intrigued her. He gestured toward a private seating area, and she followed, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor. Settling into the plush armchair across from him, she tried to steady her breathing as he began to explain what Echelon truly was.

“This isn’t just a club,” Damian said, his eyes locked on hers. “It’s a place of trust, exploration, and mutual respect. Everything you’ll see or experience here is consensual. No one is ever pushed beyond their boundaries.” His tone was measured and reassuring, and Kaelis felt her tension ease slightly. She found herself nodding as he outlined the principles of safe, sane, and consensual interactions that formed the foundation of the lifestyle. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze intense. “If you choose to continue, it will be at your pace. You’ll always have the power to stop, no questions asked.”

Kaelis hesitated, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap. “I’ve never done anything like this,” she admitted. Damian’s smile softened. “That’s the point,” he replied. “It’s not about experience. It’s about curiosity, trust, and discovery. If you’rewilling, I can guide you.” His words sent a shiver down her spine, but there was no trace of pressure in his tone. She took a deep breath, feeling both exhilarated and terrified as she nodded. Damian’s satisfaction was evident, though his expression remained composed.

The tour began shortly after. Damian guided her through the club with careful explanations. He pointed out rooms designed for private play, lounges where people gathered to socialize, and spaces dedicated to learning and demonstration. Each area seemed to pulse with an unspoken energy, and Kaelis couldn’t help but feel drawn in.

Her curiosity deepened when Damian stopped at a door with intricate carvings and said, “This is one of my favorite spaces. Would you like to see it?” She nodded, her voice momentarily lost.

The room was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and elegant furnishings. Near the center, a chaise lounge sat, and the faint scent of vanilla lingered in the air. Damian gestured for her to sit, and she complied, her pulse quickening. “This is where you’ll begin if you’re ready,” he said, sitting across from her.

He explained how a scene would work, emphasizing communication and the use of safe words. “Green means you’re good to continue. Yellow means slow down. Red stops everything immediately.” His words were clear, but his tone was gentle, and Kaelis appreciated the care he took to explain each detail.

When he slid a written contract across the table, she wasn’t surprised. “Before anything happens, I need to make sure you understand the rules,” he said. “This outlines everything,” he explained. “It’s about your boundaries and comfort. Nothing happens without your explicit consent. Consent is non-negotiable,” he said, tapping the top of the contract. “Every action we take will be something you’ve explicitly agreed to. You’ll have the power to stop anything at any time—no questions, no hesitation.”

Kaelis nodded, her throat dry, as she absorbed his words. His assurance was comforting, but the scope of what she was stepping into was daunting.

“This isn’t about blind faith,” he continued, his tone softening slightly. “Trust is earned, and it works both ways. I trust you to communicate with me, and you trust me to respect your boundaries.”

Kaelis’s gaze flicked to his hands, strong and steady, as he gestured toward the list of rules. Each line reflected a commitment to safety and respect, which made her feel less overwhelmed. As he went over the rules, he flipped to the next section of the contract, which covered boundaries. Damian explained the difference between hard limits—things she would never agree to—and soft limits—things she might be willing to explore with time and experience. “Your limits are yours alone,” he said. “They aren’t up for debate, and they can change whenever you decide.”

The discussion shifted to aftercare, a concept that caught Kaelis by surprise. Damian explained how important it was to takecare of emotional and physical needs after a scene. “Aftercare is different for everyone,” he said. “Some people like to talk, some need space, and others want physical comfort. What do you think you’d need?” Kaelis thought for a moment before replying, “Probably physical comfort.”

Damian nodded, making a note. “Good. We’ll adjust as we go.”

As the conversation continued, Damian’s patience never wavered. He asked her about her interests, her curiosities, and her fears, all while taking detailed notes. Kaelis appreciated the way he listened without judgment, even when she admitted to feeling intimidated.

“That’s normal,” he said. “The goal is never to push you beyond what you’re ready for.” His reassurance felt genuine, and Kaelis’s confidence began to grow. Kaelis read through the document carefully, noting how thorough it was. Damian’s notes in the margins reassured her further—phrases likeYour choice,andWe stop when you say sowere scattered throughout. By the time she reached the last page, her hands were trembling. She glanced up at Damian, who was watching her with a calm intensity.

“What happens if I decide not to sign?” she asked. Damian’s expression didn’t change. “Then we part ways with no hard feelings,” he replied. “This only works if it’s something you truly want.” His honesty reassured her, but the decision still felt monumental.

She set the contract down, her thoughts swirling. The promise of pleasure and exploration was enticing, but so was the senseof control and respect Damian had demonstrated. Kaelis bit her lip, weighing her options.

Finally, she picked up the pen, her heart pounding as she signed her name at the bottom.

Damian smiled, a flicker of pride crossing his face. “Welcome, Kaelis,” he said softly.

Chapter two

The Return

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