Page 51 of Every Shade of Shadow

This is truly insane. Somewhere deep inside the catacombs of my head I know this is a bad idea, but there’s a block there, something stopping me from resisting, thinking clearly.

I’m locked into position, my legs and arms spread, splayed out wide for the Professor’s amusement.

"Tonight,” he says, “we learn the Fire Lash. It’s unique…an experience. Suffice to say, I expect you to writhe and moan like a wanton whore. Do that and I’ll consider giving you my cock. But you must earn it. Is that understood?”

A blush stains my cheeks at his vulgar words, at the condescension in his voice, but I can't help the slickened heat building in my core.

I recall the girl, the fire, and pain, but also the pleasure. Was that really only a taste of what is to come?

"I want you to focus your magic and visualize a lash of fire striking your flesh. Speak the incantation 'Ardens flagellum.'"

I do as he bids, the words spilling from my lips. Magic surges within, the shadows pulling from somewhere deeper.

A crackling lash of fire snakes across my breasts. I gasp at the searing pain, back arching off the cross. But beneath the pain is a rush of pleasure, setting my blood aflame.

"Very good," he purrs, eyes wide with dark delight. "Shall we continue?"

I meet his gaze, aching for more. "Yes...Professor."

The Professor strides over to the wall and retrieves a coiled whip, running his gloved fingers over the braided leather. "This will intensify the sensations. With each lash, the fire will spread and consume you. Let it."

So this is the game we will play. I don’t know if I’m ready for it, for this level of calculation and subtle shifting of power.

I give a start as he unfurls the whip with a snap, the sound alone enough to make me squirm. I gaze up at him through my lashes, trembling in anticipation.

Because I thought I was coming here to study, not be literally tortured, but still I remain silent. Compliant.

"Visualize the fire licking at your flesh," he commands, "and speak the incantation once more."

I close my eyes, magic welling up inside me as I utter the words. The air crackles and hisses.

The whip cracks across my breasts, a blast of agonizing heat exploding over my skin. I cry out, spine licking forward like someone’s shoved a cattle prod up my ass. My nipples tighten into throbbing cigars as the fire spreads, racing over my torso in writhing tendrils.

I’m burning alive again, my skin peeling and nerves going dead, but there’s nothing there.

But the bite of the whip? That is very real.

Another lash, this time across my inner thighs. The fire coils and burns, sending molten pleasure straight to my core. I'm dripping wet, aching to be filled.

Through the haze of pain and delight, I hear Darkwood's ragged breathing, smell the scent of his arousal. I know he’s getting off on this, but he shall not have the better of me.

He wants his whore? Fine.

"More," I gasp. "Please, more..."

His smile grows, a low grunt confirming his satisfaction.

I shouldn’t be begging like this, like I’m a helpless little girl learning the satisfying smart of her father’s hand. But that’s exactly what’s happening.

The whip cracks again and again, fire and pain consuming me whole. I'm moaning and shuddering, teetering on the brink of ecstatic anguish.

One final lash strikes my sex and I come undone, back bent as rapture engulfs me. The fire burns white hot, seems to consume me completely, then fades, leaving me trembling in its wake.

I sag against the iron cross, breathless and spent. The Professor’s hands glide over my sensitized skin, soothing the remaining heat. It’s heaven after what I’ve just been through.

"Very good, my pet," he rasps, eyes smoldering. "You learn quickly."

His praise washes over me and I smile, basking in the glow of his approval.

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