Page 34 of His Dark Cravings

I swallow hard, forcing myself to nod. “Thank you,” I say, though it feels hollow, even to my own ears.

Winter narrows her eyes. “You’re welcome,” she says, her tone clipped. “Meet us there in two hours.”

* * *

When I step inside the dungeon, my eyes graze over them, committing their outfits to memory, desperate to understand the clues in their wardrobes.

Winter’s ensemble is as stark and intentional as her personality. She’s dressed in a sleeveless black bodysuit, the material tight and form-fitting, emphasizing her sharp angles. Over it, a tailored black jacket, its sharp lines and pointed lapels accentuating her asceticism. Her hair is pulled into a severe ponytail, the platinum strands gleaming under the harsh overhead lights. Around her neck, a thin silver chain glints faintly.

Sable, on the other hand, looks like she stepped out of a biker’s fantasy. Her outfit is dominated by leather, tight and dangerous. A form-fitting black leather corset hugs her curves, the deep neckline revealing ample cleavage. She wears matching leather pants that cling to her thighs and end just above her knees, the hem jagged and asymmetrical. Her studded, heeled combat boots add an extra inch of height to her already imposing frame. Her fiery red hair cascades down her back, loose and wild.

Both of them carry themselves with a confidence that makes my hands tremble. I brace myself against the doorframe, my breath shallow.

Winter’s eyes lock with mine, her expression blank. “Good evening, Everly,” she says, her voice calm but commanding. “You’re on time.”

I nod, my throat tight. “Thank you.”

Her lips twitch into a faint smile, though it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Let’s begin.”

Winter and Sable stand side by side, an imposing duo. I feel their eyes on me, assessing, judging. My body is on display, and I can't help but feel self-conscious under their gaze.

"Come here, Everly," Winter says, her voice cool and detached.

I approach them, my steps faltering. My eyes dart between them, taking in their fierce expressions.

Winter reaches out and grabs my chin, her long, manicured nails digging into my skin. "You will address me as 'Mistress' during this session. Do you understand?"

I swallow, my mouth dry. "Yes, Mistress."

She runs her thumb over my lower lip, her touch sending a spark of desire through me. "Good. Now, get on your knees."

I lower myself to the floor, my legs shaking slightly.

Sable circles around me like a predator, her boots thudding on the hard floor. She stops behind me, and I feel her hands on my shoulders, strong and demanding.

"You hold yourself too tightly, little bird. We're going to have to fix that."

I flinch at the unexpected touch and pet name, my breath quickening.

Winter's eyes narrow. "Relax, Everly. This is a safe space. You're here to learn and explore."

I nod, trying to calm my racing heart.

Winter steps back, and Sable takes over. Her hands slide down my arms, then back up again as she guides me to stand. "Arms by your side, palms facing forward. Close your eyes."

I obey, my heart still pounding. I feel the brush of fabric against my skin as Sable shifts behind me.

"Count backward from 10," she instructs. "And don't move until you reach zero."

"Ten," I whisper.

I feel the soft whisper of Sable's breath against my ear. "Good girl," she purrs.

My mind clears, focusing on the numbers. With each count, I feel more relaxed, more open to their guidance.

"Now, open your eyes." Winter's voice snaps me back to attention.

I blink, finding myself face-to-face with Winter. She runs a hand through my hair, her touch gentle but firm. "Now we begin the real lesson."

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