When Hazel Lane returned that evening, Elara Venn was propped against the headboard, absorbed in a book.
Hazel walked over, glanced at the cover, and smiled. "I figured you'd like this one. Write me a list sometime—I'll buy the rest."
Elara smiled faintly, but the truth was, she had no idea what the book was even about. The system was broadcasting SpongeBob SquarePants directly into her mind.
She was deeply preoccupied by one question: with all those holes, what would SpongeBob be like during—"Stop right there," the system snapped. "SpongeBob is male."
"I know. That's why he and Patrick are canon," Elara replied dreamily, eyes glazing with admiration. "He's so lucky."
The system went silent. Beyond saving.
Hazel's sudden presence startled Elara so much she nearly blurted, "Let's go jellyfishing, Ms. Lane!"
Hazel would probably take it literally. And buy live jellyfish to electrocute her into obedience.
Closing the book, Elara muttered, "No need."If she didn't pick titles, Hazel would just buy all of them.
Hazel didn't press. She gently pinched Elara's cheek. "Are you doing okay? Is it boring during the day?"
The tension from that morning was gone—Hazel's tone was warm, her actions intimate, like a long-married partner doting on their beloved. Elara wasn't sure how to respond.
After a pause, she gave a guarded, "It's fine."
Hazel continued, "Did you like the food today? If there's anything you don't like, or something you're craving, write it down. Put it on the tray."
"Didn't you say you like sweets? The new cook's a pastry expert. But don't overdo it—it'll upset your stomach."
She removed her coat, undid the top button of her shirt. "Did you shower yet?"
Elara nodded—her ankle chain had just enough length to reach the bathroom.
Before she could reply, Hazel leaned in and took a deep breath by her hair. "Smells good. Must've."
Elara's whole body tensed. Hazel noticed, and the smile faded. "What's wrong? Afraid I'll ask you to join me?"
Hazel shook her head, voice quiet. "Relax. I'm not that kind of animal. Your injuries haven't healed."
What?! No bath scene? No steamy play? Elara sulked under her long lashes. You're not a beast. You're worse. At least beasts have heat cycles!
Hazel had no idea her rating in Elara's mind just plummeted.
The water ran in the bathroom. Elara stared at Hazel's silhouette through the frosted glass, biting her pillow. To be the water… to glide where I please…
The system deadpanned: You want that wish granted? You might never walk again.
Hazel didn't take long. She stepped out in a loose bathrobe, hair damp, skin glowing. The robe barely clung to her, the knot so loose Elara caught a dangerous glimpse—
She dropped her gaze, nose tingling, desperate not to bleed out in embarrassment.
She'd seen worse, done worse—but Hazel's allure still left her weak.
Hazel dried off, tossed the robe, and slipped into bed, completely bare.
She slid beside Elara, wrapped her arms around her waist.
"!" Elara shut her eyes tightly. This is a gourd. I'm sleeping in a gourd. Gourd-shaped CEO.
Hazel rested her chin on Elara's head. "Sleep. Unless you'd rather do something else?"
YES. Elara flexed her limbs subtly, broadcasting readiness.
But Hazel… just adjusted her grip. "Need me to hold you like this to keep you from misbehaving?"
NO! We thrive on misbehavior!
Hazel mistook her stiffness for fear. She whispered, "This is desensitization. I won't push you. I'll wait until you're ready."
Well then it's over, Elara thought. If you don't push, we've got nothing.
Escape plans—previously shelved—were back on the table.
Hazel drifted off content. Elara curled beside her like a corpse.
Later that night, while Elara slept, Hazel opened her eyes.
The moonlight framed her face as she leaned in and whispered at her lips:"No matter what it takes, I'll keep you."
Hazel got busier over the next few days—early mornings, late nights. Sometimes she returned when Elara was already asleep.
Elara sensed something was wrong. But Hazel never said.If it were Nathan, Hazel wouldn't be this quiet. That much, at least, Elara was sure of.
She didn't ask—Hazel wouldn't answer anyway.Besides, if she seemed too caring, Hazel might get suspicious.
There were already cameras in the bedroom.
Hazel seemed satisfied with Elara's recent behavior. One night, holding her close, she finally spoke.
"Work's been rough lately. I've been neglecting you. Are you mad?"
Elara's hand was gently cradled in Hazel's.
She lowered her eyes. "You're busy. It's fine."
Hazel murmured, "If I don't take care of you, who will?"
It was tender… but there was a coldness underneath.
Elara said nothing, biting back her thoughts.Feeding and housing me isn't "care." That's called "basic pet ownership."
Even responsible parents care about their kids' emotional and physical needs. You? You're failing both.
If you're tired, just give me some toys and get out of the way. I'm parched out here.
Hazel didn't seem to notice. She played the role of tired breadwinner coming home to a spouse—venting about company drama, old executives resisting her authority.
"They think they're clever," she said darkly. "But they'll regret it."
Elara shivered.
Immediately, Hazel's tone softened. "Don't be scared. I'd never hurt you."
Right. Just everyone else.
She kissed Elara's chin. "You've got a lifetime to get used to me."
I'd love to, Elara thought, but my lifetime might only be seven more days.
Hazel pulled the blanket over Elara's stomach. "Sleep now," she said softly.
Elara stared at the ceiling.
She was sleeping in silk.
And drowning in chains.