Page 38 of Be Careful What You Wish For

‘We are now going to mark you as our slave. Accept this as the first symbol of our commitment to you. It is a symbol which will match your slave name and by which others may know you belong to us, your Masters, and to the House of Arcana.’

‘Will it hurt?’

‘Yes, it will hurt, Little One. Shadow will tattoo the symbol we have created unique to you just below your right shoulder, and you will be allowed to see it only when the Ceremony is complete and you are truly slave. Prepare yourself.’

A small humming sounded and a tiny needle pierced her skin. Dream Catcher held her head firmly, soothing back her hair.

‘It will take time, so try to relax and let the experience unfold, as with those others that will be yours this day.’

The needle continued its journey around the designated area of skin. Abi tried to let her thoughts wander to places she had visited, people she knew, and in a half-dream state, brought herself back through the journey which had led her to this moment and the memories about to be created here. The confusion about Dream Catcher and Shadow and the strange relationship they shared she pushed to the back of her mind.

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nbsp; She almost believed the images to be a part of her dream state when the experience of sub-space left her living in a bubble for some time after. She had taken the image of the cage and the idea of Shadow caught inside as part of sub-fever when she knew that, while in a state of euphoria, thinking can become distorted. And yet still a small niggle remained, which increasingly she tried to ignore, unwilling to have anything spoil her very special day.

Finally Shadow finished, and the handiwork was inspected, approved and admired.

‘Come. We will share a light lunch together while we show you what we have brought.’

It was like Christmas all over again.

Dream Catcher displayed for the first time a cloak the colour of sunrise, together with a black velvet dress with a lace bodice which lifted her breasts high, leaving her nipples bare. It laced all the way down past her waist, hugging and accentuating her figure, displaying the small mark of ownership on the back of her shoulder. She found wearing it meant she could move only the smallest of steps, and in doing so create an illusion of grace and stature, and great sensitivity and strength.

‘Now, take off the clothes. It is only the cloak you will wear for the Ceremony, accompanied by the ornaments in this case. But first we have a surprise.’

As if on cue through the arch stepped two familiar faces, ones she could never have imagined seeing here.

‘I said it would not be long before we met again.’

‘Alex!’

‘Yes, and I’m here to arrange your hair for your big day.’

The two Masters left her to the attentions of the masseur and hairdresser from Hartington Hall. They too admired the tattoo which throbbed gently on her shoulder.

‘I’m going to relax you for what is to come, Princess. And then my good friend Shellie here is going to arrange your hair. So enjoy.’

Two hours passed while Abi was transformed, her hair washed and a volumiser used to encircle her face in a titian halo of colour. Her cheeks glowed. She was refreshed.

‘We must go now, but we’ll see you again in a little while. Promise.’

They took their leave as Shadow and Dream Catcher appeared, dressed in black trousers topped with lace shirts and black waistcoats.

‘Come, it is almost time.’

Shadow collected the still unopened jewellery box, while Dream Catcher wrapped the cloak around her shoulders and one on either side, they escorted her beyond the arch, along the corridor, and down the stairs to the largest of the dungeons she had seen only once before.

But as she stepped through the doorway she saw it with very different eyes. Like crossing the horizon, the large hall was bathed in the soft hazy glow of sunrise. Curtains the colour of burnt amber hung from floor to ceiling around the walls, while a carpet led through the centre to a dais on which stood an imposing figure in black. On either side of him were others dressed in a similar fashion, and creating an aisle in front of them slave girls sat on their heels, adopting the Standard Pose. It was an impressive sight.

Abi stood with Shadow and Dream Catcher at the start of the aisle, looking with interest at the girls who looked up to smile, nodding encouragingly, helping her feel more at ease.

Her stomach was knotted and tense. She trembled beneath her cloak, wishing she’d been allowed to wear the beautiful dress that went with it.

‘Approach the Grand Master and let the Ceremony commence.’

The words were uttered by the man in black. He presented an imposing and formidable figure on the dais, waiting for them. He had a presence that commanded attention. As they drew near Abi couldn’t take her eyes from his as they drew her in, holding her gaze, steady and sure. Then, hastily remembering her training, she fell to her knees, submitting herself before the Grand Master.

A hush immediately fell around the room.

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