Leave it up to Lily Hawkins’ luck to get stuck in the rain. Again. Anytime they were kicked out of whatever temporary shelter they were staying — loitering in a train station, drinking water in a cafe until an employee noticed they hadn't ordered anything that cost money, or getting into an actual day shelter — they’d be thrown right into the worst weather the season could offer.

They huffed as they ran up the hill. Running kept them warm and got them closer to any kind of shelter, killing two birds with one stone. Granted that the stone in question was all deformed and awkwardly shaped.

It took a long time running and shivering, but they saw… something in the distance.

A castle? Like one of those weirdo gothic medieval ones? Lily felt delirious, but they were fairly sure they hadn't just ended up a few hundred years in the past. And there weren't any old castles around here… right? It looked like something Lily would have written about in middle school, so ominous it was a cliché. It almost looked like it was trying too hard to broadcast “this is evil, vampires and/or dark lords within.” So surely it wasn't real, or it was a movie shooting, or... or they didn't know. Why would a castle just pop up? How? But they rubbed their eyes a few times to make sure they weren't hallucinating, and... they weren't.

Pulling their soaked backpack over their head, Lily continued to make for the mansion. Evil overlord or not, it was shelter, and Lily would take that. Surely whoever was there wouldn't mind if Lily just... stood under the roof for a few minutes. The rain should pass shortly, so surely they'd see Lily's reasoning? Then again, rich people tended to be unpredictable — to put it politely.

Something about the mansion-castle kept drawing their eyes, though. It was drawing them in, like a moth to a flame, inescapable. Was that just them wanting to get out of the rain? But no, it was more like someone was whispering in their ear — “come hither, Lily. Surely you're not making a mistake!” Great, now they were hallucinating voices, too. They slipped a bit in surprise, but managed to rebalance before they fell down, and continued the trek with questions rampaged through their head.

Finally, they found themself at the door. It looked so much grander when standing right in front of it, and so much less real. What were they doing? Surely they could be going somewhere else, looking for more substantial lodging, less prone to whimsy and less likely to be haunted.

Hey, Lily.

Lily suppressed a sigh, knowing she'd feel it anyway. That kind of hallucination was, unfortunately, more expected. Their arm was tugged insubstantially, though nobody was there behind them. No, she was within them, a presence they knew too well — more well known than they would have liked — which had . They couldn't see her, not literally, but with their mind's eye, they could clearly see their alter, their protector, standing all but physically in front of them. Blocking the door. Obviously she thought this was an awful choice, but Lily didn't really feel charitable towards her advice.

“What's wrong, Kassandra?” they muttered halfheartedly.

Kassandra blinked. What do you mean, 'what's wrong'?! In case you haven't noticed, you're basically walking into a horror movie set. You don't want to get your — ugh, ourselves killed, do you?

Lily shook their head. Her advice wasn't any more welcome when they already knew that. They reached into their ear and cleared it of wax, as if that would do anything (they tried many times and it never did, never could). “I know, Kassandra, but it's so  cold, and wet, and... and I hate the rain. You know that. S-so, let's just ask, and if... if whoever is there isn't okay with us, then, then, then uh, we can leave. I promise. Okay?”

Kassandra groaned loudly, not that anyone could have heard if they were nearby. Kassandra was Lily's to deal with. A ghost who tried and failed to sway them out of bad decisions by proposing ones they found worse. Lily, look at that place. It's not even subtle about being evil. No hero — no sane person would live there! The second someone sees you they're going to silence you. For good.

Lily looked down at the entrance, noting... a dog door? Whoever lived here had a dog? That meant they had to be a good person, right? “K-Kassandra...” they murmured quietly, “a-at least we'll be able to ask for directions. J-just a quick question, o-okay?” The rain beat down behind them. Was it coming down harder? Hopefully they could stay the night...

“No! Goddamnit, we need to move and get out of here, yesterday! Sharing a body with you is a nightmare sometimes, you know that?”

Lily groaned. “I know, I know, you think I can't make good decisions, and you're usually right, b-but—”

Before Lily could say anything else, though, the door opened for them. Their heart stopped mid-beat, just as they took what might be their last breath.

To say that the woman looking down — yes, down — at Lily was beautiful would be a heavy understatement. Lily couldn't help but gape. Her body looked crafted by divine hands, framed perfectly in a red dress that poofed out atop plenty a petticoat, with a black and red robe over that. She had a red cap on, decorated with feathers and lace. Her heels — were those six-inchers? How was she walking? — weren't even necessary for her to tower over them, but with them on Lily felt insignificantly tiny, worth less in every way than this rich statuesque beauty.

Lily gulped, realizing they were staring, and they recognized the kind of expression she was making. They were used to it. Every time they got in trouble, at home, at work, or... at other things they didn't want to think about. Behind her, Lily could hear whispers and cackles — directed to them? Was there some sort of gathering? They weren't sure, but all they knew was that they were out of place. Very out of place. And she didn't look very welcoming.

Told you so, Kassandra growled lowly. Can we leave no—

Before Kassandra could finish the thought, the lady stepped closer to Lily. Almost too close, and far too fast to react to. To the point that Lily was shivering underneath her, shocked into silence by the sheer domineering presence of the woman.

Who was she?

“I'm not sure if you know how loud you are,” she said lightly, airily, already mocking them, and the shame already hit Lily a bit harder than they'd like, “But we're trying to have a nice time to ourselves here. It's a tad rude to have your... public conversation with yourself in front of my door. Don't you think?”

Okay, so she definitely was not going to let them inside, and definitely wouldn't allow them to sleep there. It was time to cut their losses and salvage whatever little pride they had left. “I-I'm so sorry. We, uh, I got caught up in the storm, and um, we were looking for shelter, a-and I just noticed this place was...”

“Open to visitors? Open as a free bed for anyone and everyone who asks? For every mangy visitor tracking in dirt, disease, and who knows what else? Is that what you mean?”

Lily nodded automatically. “I-I'm sorry. We'll leave, I'm so sorr—“

As Lily turned to walk away, they felt their hand suddenly gripped in a vice, far more present and real than Kassandra ever managed. “H-huh?” Lily stammered, reflexively trying to break free from her grasp, but they were held fast. They weren't weak, far from it, and this woman didn't look very muscular, so the fact Lily couldn't get away... it made their heart race. From fear, or some sick twisted lust from feeling helpless? They weren't sure, but either was shameful, and regardless they were effectively trapped. Even when they used their other hand to try to pry her off, she stood there as immovable as the statue she looked like.

“You think you can just leave like that? After imposing on my ballroom with your mindless drivel? You didn't answer my question, toy.” Lily's heart stuttered at that term, and both fear and lust spiked. “Do you think it's okay to simply go up to strangers' houses and demand a free bed just because it's raining, after disrupting their events by talking to yourself in front of their door?”

The woman's voice was cold as ice, threatening violence with perfect clarity. Lily was quivering so hard that if the hand wasn't holding them up in a death grip, they would have collapsed. “N-No. I'm sorry. It was very rude of me, and, and I won't do it again.”

The woman smirked. “Well, seems you can be a good toy,” she chuckled. The grip on their arm vanished all at once, a movement faster than their eyes could see. They only barely managed to stumble backwards, rather than fall. “Normally, I'd have just gotten rid of you,” she murmured with faint interest, “but on second thought, I have an idea for what to do with pests like yourself.”

“P-pests?”

SLAP!

For a moment, the world was white fire and stars and pain. Then they were on the ground, still reeling from a slap that felt like a sledgehammer. They gasped, choking on a scream as they felt their face, finding — miraculously — that nothing had been broken.

What the fuck was that for?! We were just leaving, you bitch!

…is what Kassandra would have said if she was fronting. She wasn't, thank god. Lily knew those would have been their last words.

“Yes. A pest. That's what you are. Understood? I don't want you questioning anything else, toy.” Her voice dripped with deadly certainty, and her body — light, lithe, yet stronger than they could imagine — made the threat even more real. “Here's my gracious proposal. You may come in, and dance with me as my follower. I will lodge you, and provide lessons, as from the look of you, lessons will be sorely needed.”

Lily winced at the barely hidden insult, but nodded. “Y-yes, that's right. I haven't really danced before. I-I don't think I'd be a good partner.”

The woman smiled knowingly. “That is for me to worry about. As for you, that'll be yes, Mistress from now on, understood?”

Lily opened their mouth to protest, but... it was a good deal to get out of the downpour, so that was probably Kassandra. “Yes, M-Mistress...”

“Better. We'll work on that annoying stammering later. For now, you will have to be a quick learner, because I don't have a follower, and I need one. To reiterate, then, this is my proposal: you dance with me as my follower, and I, in turn, will give you shelter, a comfortable bed to sleep on, and dinner and breakfast. Isn't that a kind offer, even after all the trouble you've caused?”

“I-it is, thank you! Um, I mean, thank you Mis—”

The woman — Lily's new Mistress — didn't waste any more time. She dragged them inside, and instantly, all eyes were on them.

Everyone else in the ballroom — This lady has a whole-ass ballroom? — was just as elegantly dressed, though not all of them wore the same evil cultist chic as Lily's lady. There were some, imperious men and confident women, who shared that aesthetic, but almost precisely half of those attending wore lacy dresses or sheer robes which left little to the imagination. Lily suddenly felt uneasy, and moved to turn, to glance at the door—

Only to be kept looking ahead by a painful grip in their hair, which then turned them to look at their Mistress. “Running off now? But we've only just begun,” she joked lightly, as if they were old friends. “Josey!”

“Yes, Miss.” With barely a delay — though nothing like the blurringly fast motion their Mistress had demonstrated — another woman showed up. She wore a remarkably practical maid outfit, very unlike the dancers, and carried a broom and sweeping pan. A woman rich enough to have an honest-to-god ballroom would have the money to hire maids, they supposed.

“Take this one up to our guest room. Dry them off and get them ready to be my follower. Toy, do as Josey says. Understand?”

“Y-yes, Mistress,” Lily stammered, barely getting the formality out before the maid, Josey, was pulling Lily up a flight of stairs by the same arm their Mistress grabbed earlier. They stumbled, almost tripping up a few steps as they went. They wanted to ask her to slow down, just out of politeness if nothing else, but Lily clearly didn't have ground to demand anything right now. Josey was there to do one thing: Obey the Mistress. Lily didn't have any right to ask for anything. They were just lucky to be out of the rain.

Before they knew it, Lily found themself in a small dressing room. Josey fussed about them, opening cabinets and wardrobes, revealing a dizzying array of lacy dresses and... dress accessories? Lily didn't know what anything there was called, not beyond the petticoats. They grimaced, knowing what was coming. They absolutely hated wearing dresses. And given the state of the dancers, it wasn't as if pants would be on offer. Josey looked through the wardrobe, nodding quietly and murmuring to herself. Finally, she spoke.

“Let's make this quick. No need to keep the Miss waiting,” Josey said. “You may not have noticed it, but she's very excited to have someone to dance with.”

Lily blinked at the casual address, still overwhelmed with everything going on. “U-Um... she doesn't dance with, like, you?” The more pressing question was, how in the world did that severe expression mean excitement?' But Lily held their tongue.

Josey snorted, already halfway to Lily with a towel and some sort of creams ready to apply.

“Ha! No. I'm nothing more than a lowly maid. Strip, please.”

“W-what?!” Lily shrieked, a hint of Kassandra’s anger gleaning through. “N-no! Absolutely not! Why would I do that?”

Josey scowled. “Because if you don't, I'll have to tell the Miss, and you'll either sleep in a metal cage in the dungeon or in the pouring rain that'll freeze you halfway to death. I'll even wash your clothes and undergarments for you, anything that muddy can not be pleasant. Got it?”

Lily curled in on themself with a whimper. “Y-yes. I understand.”

A moment of silence passed, before Lily asked what they thought was an obvious question: “C-can you turn around?”

“Of course not. I need to watch to determine what kind of dress you'll be able to wear best.”

What the fuck? Lily bit their tongue to avoid lashing out again, resigned to stripping in front of a complete stranger, and closed their eyes.

This didn't bring up good memories, far from it. The worst of things, really. Things they wanted to put away for good. Ways they were exploited that made them feel nauseous to even think about. The other times they undressed for strangers, only to... only to...

Lily was shaking like a leaf, even just taking off their sweater and trousers. But when Josey continued to look at them expectantly, it was clear that Lily needed to also take off their undergarments. In front of Josey, a total stranger. Fuck, why did they not just listen to Kassandra? Who knew what was going to happen to them now? Lily knew that they were stupid, but to put themself in the very situation they had escaped by the skin of their teeth... to make... to put themself in that most vulnerable position again...

Lily's breathing became labored. Their brain felt as though every thought was strained through cotton, soaking away any impulse, any mental or sensory input. They mechanically moved to obey—

A sensation broke through. Firm hands, warm, grabbed theirs, and Lily barely held back a scream. But it was different than before. It wasn't a grip of iron they had to fight, her hands were soft, yielding, and somehow that was reassuring. Through her hands, they felt as she began to breathe, and instinctively, they joined her. Slowly, their shaking subsided, as they let themself be grounded. They felt on the edge of tears. Why were they so weak?

“It's okay,” Josey said quietly, calmly. “The Miss won't hurt you. I won't hurt you. I already know what your outfit will be now, so you won't have to be naked for much longer. Okay?”

“O-okay,” Lily whimpered. They weren’t sure how true that was, but they grabbed it like a lifeline, and it was enough comfort to get them to finish stripping. They covered their chest and their crotch with their hands, trying to preserve even a shred of modesty. They didn't want anyone to see this, not even the people closest to them. (What a joke. They had no people closest to them! They were so stupid.)

“Please straighten up, so I don't have problems putting this on you. It will go faster that way.”

Lily nodded slowly. Just disappear. Just pretend they're somewhere else. Pretend they're not there, they're not the one experiencing this humiliation. It's not them. They're somewhere else. Those thoughts became a mantra as Josey did her work. Lily couldn't possibly get through this, so Lily wouldn't. They knew this was bad, that pretending they were merely an outsider looking in was not the best way to go through life, but what else was there to do? It wasn't like they could go to some random dark alley and cry it out, or lose themself in playing their dying Gameboy Advance.

As Lily dissociated, seeking a moment of reprieve, Josey worked on their hair, outfit, shoes, everything. In front of Lily’s distant eyes, Josey fixed their hair, fitted them in shoes – heels, ugh, a momentary thought flickered – and donned a petticoat and a dress of some variety. Josey made sure that all the clothes had no wrinkles, patting every inch of Lily’s body. Every pat felt like it was leaving something hollow behind, their body slowly ceasing to be them. The maid clearly wasn't going to do it any other way. This wasn’t a simple matter of Lily being an uninvited guest in someone else’s home. It was a declaration that the Mistress of the manor held every ounce of power in this situation.

Lily, almost idly, realized: they’d be lucky to get out alive.

They blinked, that thought driving lucidity into them like a railroad spike. The first thing they noticed was the easy breeze through the window, against their skin. Lily looked down, knowing what they'd find, and flushed furiously, holding their hands over their mouth to preempt the inevitable verbal outburst. The dress covered little more than their arms had been, and even what was covered could be seen through the lacework in spots. In particular, their neck and chest were out for all to gaze upon, the dress only just covering their nipples, and not firmly. They’d be lucky if they lived through tonight with no nip slips. The dress fell to the floor, the petticoat fluffing it out, that was all within expectations. But…

“W-where are my panties?”

Josey shook her head. “You won’t need any.”

Lily’s face blanched. “W-what do you mean? W-what is she going to do to me?”

Josey shrugged. Her dismissiveness was beginning to piss off even Lily – surely Kassandra would have taken over by now if she was present enough for the anger to be from her. “I’m not sure. She didn't say why. Now sit down so I can do your makeup. We’ve already wasted too much time, and you should know that the Miss will not be thrilled if I have to spend the time to redo your makeup when you’ve cried it all off.”

Glad she has her priorities straight, Lily snarled mentally. Saying anything of the sort out loud would be too stupid, even for them, so they resigned themself to sitting down and pushing their hair out of the way. Hopefully she goes for just a neutral look.

–

She did not.

Lily’s heart fell into their stomach the moment they saw themself in the mirror. Fuck, they hated looking like this. They boiled with a sickening mix of fury and disgust. If that's what it took, they would have immediately torn their skin off if it would take with it the hyperfeminine makeup and clothes. Becoming a horrifying being of gore and muscle would have been preferable to looking like a Disney princess. But they swallowed their protests, knowing that even attempting to escape again would be a horrible idea. Something about the way they were styled, looking like nothing more dainty than a damsel in distress, just drove that powerlessness in harder. Not that they had any power in this situation in the first place, hah! Lily closed their eyes hard and pulled away from the mirror. If they couldn't see themself, they could forget what they looked like. Or at least try.

Josey looked Lily up and down. Her expression hadn't changed, so if she was proud of her so-called handiwork, Lily couldn't tell. “Very good. Do you know how to waltz, Lily?”

Lily blinked at the seemingly out of pocket question. They vaguely remembered ballroom dancing with someone in elementary school, but... was it a waltz? They had no idea. “I don't think so, s-sorry.”

Why the fuck are you apologizing?! Kassandra screamed. She's the one who should be begging for your forgiveness! Lily clenched their fists. Kassandra was right, just like usual, but if she got what she wanted she'd be fighting them right into a fate worse than death.

Josey sighed, trying and failing to hide her emotion. Oh, so now she shows emotion. “Unfortunate, but workable. Have you done ballroom dance of any kind?”

The memory was vague enough it didn't matter, and Lily refused to give away anything about their childhood. “N-no. Sorry.”

Kassandra continued screaming, but Lily focused, and managed to catch the end of the next question.

“... dance of any kind?”

“Uh... I like running. And weight-lifting. Do those count?”

Josey didn't grace that with a response. Fair enough, they supposed. The maid closed her eyes, breathing in and out slowly. A few seconds passed. Then ten. Then thirty. Getting anxious and annoyed standing around for who-knew-what, and no outburst in sight, Lily stopped holding their tongue.

“S-so, what happens—”

“Shh,” Josey hushed them sharply. Lily froze, the indignancy setting in their stomach. But like a deer in headlights, Lily clasped their hands over their mouth.

After what felt like way, way too long, Josey's eyes opened slowly. “She's ready for you. Let us go.”

“She— how do you know that?” Lily intended to wait, to refuse to move for even just another minute, but Josey's soft grip pulled them along just as effectively as their Mistress's had. “W-wait! Hold on! At least answer one of my questions, please!”

Finally, the maid stopped. “You must work on your habit of questioning everything around you,” she hissed. “I'm just a lowly maid, so I can't and won't punish you.” Punish? “But the Mistress will do so in seconds if you decide to keep it up. So let's use this as practice, hmm? Try to be silent for the rest of the walk down. Ideally for the rest of the night, though I know that most likely is too much to ask.”

Lily's head suddenly started to spin. None of this made sense, and everything was so confusing. Why? Why did they have to be so stupid, to land themself in this situation? Even though Kassandra tried to talk them out of it... Fuck. Self-recrimination took over Lily's thoughts, crowding out everything else, and all they could do was nod. Lily couldn't speak even if they wanted to.

“Good girl.”

Once this is all over, I'm going to murder this maid, Kassandra piped up once again - still internally, thank god.

Lily refused to let themself sigh. For once, Kassandra being let loose sounded kind of nice. But they were already in enough shit from just talking outside of a mansion, so what kind of trouble would actual violence, or even murder, drum up?

Walking downstairs in heels was difficult. They hadn't exactly had a reason to practice it, after all. Every step was another chance for a clumsy near-fall. Josey gave them an annoyed look every time she had to slow down for them. What in the world was with this maid’s attitude? Did she even want to be here either? She didn't seem very unhappy. Lily could be annoyed about it later though — for now, they had to focus on getting through the night. And walking something approaching properly.

They approached the ballroom, and Lily found themself spellbound by the Mistress of the Mansion, even obscured as she was by a horde of dancers, their steps and spins perfected. They watched, hearing something in the stately music, entranced—

A hand was suddenly pressing against their stomach, holding them back from... where they had almost walked right onto the dance floor? How had they forgotten themself that much? In that dress? Lily gripped the offendingly hyperfeminine article's fabric tight, almost tight enough to tear.

Their eyes glanced at the exit door with a sudden flash of urgency. If they made a break for it now, they didn't think Josey could stop them... So why were they so frozen? Why couldn’t they just leave?!

While they were fighting to even move, the music came to a close. One part of each pair of dancers took the other’s hand and kissed it lightly. Lily blushed. The Mistress came into view, having just finished a dance with a mousy short girl wearing a tiara and an eye-catching sparkly pink dress, lace covering her as poorly as it did Lily. Before they could tear their gaze away, the... princess? was taken by another of the well-dressed dancers — another Mistress? — and within seconds, the Mistress of the Mansion's gaze met Lily's.

Something lanced into Lily's veins, drenching their nerves in ice, then slowly turning to warmth as it spread through the rest of their body. At... whatever that had been, Lily took an instinctive step back, which Mistress had not missed. Mistress stormed across the dance floor, steps quiet and precise even as they made Lily's heart thunder, her look of disdain seeming to promise death if Lily didn't comply.

She grabbed their frozen, shaking hand, and instantly pulled them close to her. Lily’s heartbeat felt like it was audible outside their chest, so surely she noticed it too. What was that, that icy warmth, that was stirring, growing, seeping into them? What was it they were feeling, and why?

Just bite your lip, do this nonsense, take the free shelter, and leave first thing tomorrow. That’s all. You can do this. They tried to reassure themself — or Kassandra tried to reassure them, they weren’t sure.

“Gregorio? Pause for a moment,” she called, and the man at the piano nodded, switching to a soft, quiet tempo that bizarrely reminded Lily of elevator music.

“All, may I have your attention?” she called, drawing eyes to her, and by extension Lily, who kept their eyes fixed on the ground. “We’ve reformed our little pest of a rat into quite the charming mouse. They will be my follower for the remainder of the night. But please, don’t hesitate to greet them or take a look-see at my new plaything.”

No, please hesitate! Lily stammered and sputtered, but no coherent words came out of their mouth. It wouldn’t have mattered. Protesting would land them in an even worse situation. Besides, their voice was drowned out by the polite applause. Fuck. They felt like a statue or other piece of expensive fine art, but a lot less respectable. And even if I were a statue, I'd be only a pale imitation of Mistress.

“That said, I’m sure we can all tell someone who would intrude on our castle is a bit... slow, and obviously they don’t even know how to dance,” she teased, “so we’ll do some slower pieces for a time. Should they bump into any of you, they’ll apologize swiftly,” she said primly, with a significant glance at Lily making it clear they didn’t have a choice in the matter. “That will be all. Thank you for your attendance and attention. Gregorio?”

The man at the piano nodded, beginning a more sedate bit of music. Mistress dragged Lily onto the floor, taking her rightful place in the middle of the room. Lily staggered a bit, still unsteady in their heels, and sighed internally. Great. They were in the perfect spot to be ogled by complete strangers.

“You don’t know how to dance,” Mistress murmured, “but do you know the box step?”

Lily shook their head, eyes still on the floor. That is, until Mistress grabbed their chin roughly, tilted their head up, and forced them to make eye contact. Lily’s stomach dropped in fear.

“Look at me, and use your words when you talk to me, slave.”

I’ve gone from toy, to pest, to mouse, to plaything, and now to slave?! They swallowed their protests and complied. They could find a therapist to dump this on later. “N-no, sorry, M-Mistress. I don’t know anything about dancing.”

“As I had expected. I had promised lessons, and you do seem to need them in many things,” she cooed condescendingly. Lily felt Kassandra flare up, heating up their whole body, melting that ice in their veins into something deeply uncomfortable. “Very well. This song is slow, so even one such as you should be able to follow it. You merely must do as I say.”

It hurt to look into her eyes, this time. Like frostbite, all across their skin, pricking and cutting deep. But they had to maintain eye contact... right? “O-okay.”

Apparently that was the wrong answer, too, because Mistress instantly stomped on Lily’s foot, adding physical pain to the unnerving sensations they already felt. “That’s ‘yes, Mistress’. You were able to do it once, so I trust this was not the start of bad habits?”

Lily felt as though the dance floor was barbed with spikes, for all the traps they couldn't see coming. “Yes, Mistress.”

“Better. Maybe we’ll get somewhere and you’ll make a good thrall.”

Don’t count on it, Kassandra hissed internally. Then she paused. A good what?

The heels of some of the well-dressed women clacked one, twice, thrice, and again, and the dancing began. For everyone else, that was. The dancers in finery watched Lily hungrily, while the ones in lace and sheer gave them looks of... longing?

They were brought back to their current partner with a kick to the thigh, light enough so they wouldn't keel over, but harsh enough to draw their focus. “Now, to begin. It is poor form to not keep eye contact, and under most circumstances I would scold you for it... but you are, after all, learning, and need instruction. For now, just keep your eyes on the ground, and watch and follow my feet.”

“O-okay, Mistress.”

Mistress stepped forward, lightly tapping Lily’s foot in an implicit command to step back. “That’s the first step. Good. Next.” She brought her other foot out, stretching it out diagonally. Automatically, Lily's foot followed, though they stumbled a little because of the heels.

“Like... this?” Lily asked hesitantly, moving their foot out to meet Mistress’s. She looked down at them with a grin — whether one of pride, excitement, or lust, Lily didn’t know.

“Exactly. And now back.”

She stepped back, and Lily hesitantly stepped forward, without the external impetus of being lightly kicked.

“And connect.”

Lily stepped their feet together. They felt out of breath already, but not out of exertion. What had them winded was sustaining the sheer level of panic they were feeling. They knew that to go against Mistress’s will even once would be something they would regret for the rest of their life.

“Adequate. You catch on quickly, plaything. Perhaps lessons might not be wasted on you. Though, rather than stepping, you should be gliding between positions.”

“G-gliding?”

“I must spell even that out?” she sighed. “So mote it be, then. Watch my feet. I will show you a basic box step.”

Before Lily could give so much as an affirmative, or ask what mote meant in that context, Mistress immediately resumed motion. The movements she made were similar to before, but as she moved, she always kept the point of her heel on the ground. Lily blinked, trying to process how to do that as quickly as possible while also trying to keep up with her movements. This was probably just a normal day for Mistress, but she really did look graceful.

...And I could never look like that, even with all the makeup and pretty dresses in the whole world.

Lily was brought out of their reverie when Mistress gave them a harsher-than-needed slap to the face, though not one harsh enough to drown the world in pain. They gasped in pain, then looked at her with indignation. Her face froze into a mask at that, and she grabbed their chin, meeting their terrified eyes with frozen fury.

“Lost in your head? You are here to learn, slave. And to resent my gracious instruction? Our little lesson is over. Use what scraps I managed to impress upon you, keep meeting my eyes, and don’t look anywhere else. Dance shows ownership, and that’s where you are now. Pain will be your teacher if you mess up. Understood?”

Lily felt like they couldn’t breathe. Their body burned, pain pricking endlessly, as that eye contact seemed to send ice crashing through them. They wanted to disappear. They wanted to be somewhere else, somewhere safer, anywhere else. But they nodded. Would they be safe at night?  Who knew what she’d do while they were asleep, or worse, while they were awake?

“Y-yes, Mistress.”

She didn’t reply, but kept up with the movements. Luckily, all the running and stamina they built up living on the streets, running from kidnappers, stealing food... they managed to keep up well enough, albeit with some mistakes that led to their feet getting yet another bruise.

The music ended. Lily caught their breath. From their peripheral vision — not breaking eye contact lest they face more pain and humiliation — they saw people switch partners once again. It was... interesting. The dancers doing elaborate spins switched up, and the ones making them do the spins, showing them off, got to have another partner to lead on. Were this any other situation, Lily had a feeling this might even be fun... if it were people they knew, maybe.

But instead, it was her, Mistress who held onto Lily’s body too tightly and too closely. It was a silent threat to anyone who wanted to replace Lily or take them away from her. Understandably, no one came close.

As people got settled with their new partners, Lily’s Mistress looked them up and down, then snapped her eyes back to meet theirs. “Better than I expected, truly. Praise ought to be given where it's due, plaything. You can keep up to a barely adequate degree.”

The backhanded compliment didn't make the sting from being called a plaything any better. “Th-thanks. I’ve had practice, sort of.”

“Oh?” she asked, a curious smirk crossing her lips. Those eyes seemed to grow more intense. “You... 'hadn't really danced', you said. Tell me more.”

The next piece started, and just on cue, the Mistress began to dance. It was slightly different, so Lily hesitated, before managing to follow her with an ease that felt strange. “U-um, it’s nothing special. I just - I just like running.”

She narrowed her eyes. “You just like running? Do not lie to me, plaything.”

“Wh-what?” Lily almost paused dead in their box step.

“I don’t take kindly to lies. I choose to never lie, and I expect you to respond in kind. But now is not the place to impress that upon you. You will simply have to tell me later.”

With all luck, there won’t be a later. “Of - of course, Mistress.”

“Well, since you caught up decently fast,” she mused, smirking for some reason, “I suppose we can move onto turns. You seem to learn by action, plaything, so action you shall have.”

As their second, third, fourth box step concluded, the next one had Lily being grabbed a bit rougher than usual, and twisted about an eighth of a turn. Thankfully, they didn’t get stabbed with a heel for faltering, and once again quickly caught on, with an ease that felt strangely natural. They had to be a bit more careful than usual so as not to twist their ankle — they had to be able to run tomorrow, after all — but they just... followed what their Mistress did. It was like they knew what to do instinctively by looking into her eyes.

Did they...?

No. They were overthinking this. They had to do this, sleep, and leave. They repeated  that thought, trying to burn it into their mind as they and the Mistress traveled across the floor, turning elegantly. As elegantly as Lily could, which was far more than they had believed.

The piece concluded. Another one played. A faster one. A slower one. And then, eventually, the last piece played.

All the ‘dominant people’, for lack of a better word, kissed the hands of their dancers, who seemed more like clockwork dolls in their perfect poise than actual people. Mistress took Lily’s hand and dragged them up to the top of the podium. She clapped politely, grabbing the guests’ attention as Lily just squeezed their clasped hands. They didn’t even realize how out of breath they were, but they had to be quiet, so they took labored breaths through their nose and listened.

“All, thank you for coming, and for being so welcoming to our special intruder,” she said, holding for applause as she once again put Lily in the spotlight. They bit their lip and curtsied politely, moving on autopilot. “Do feel free to tip dear Gregorio, and grab some refreshments on your way out. We shall both be about should you wish to chat.”

Ugh. Of course Lily wasn’t going to get to just rest.

The rest of the night was a blur. Lily tried to keep their answers short and succinct. They didn’t need anyone trying to find them after they’d leave first thing tomorrow. Besides, they knew that look in people’s eyes. They wanted a piece of Lily for themselves, possibly permanently.

The guests filed out, making their ways home. That perfect clockwork poise remained, one member of each couple moving with confidence while their companion followed in lockstep. Lily’s heart sped up. Whatever had been done to those people, they hoped, desperately, that wouldn’t be them.

So do I, Kassandra said begrudgingly. Let’s get out of here once we know we’re not being watched anymore.

Eventually, everyone was gone, including the pianist. The only people left in the giant mansion were Lily, and Mistress. Their heart rate quickened and their body felt... warm. Like before, after the ice. What was that? Why was their heart racing and their emotions softening for someone who had been nothing but cruel?

They weren’t sure what they felt, or why, beyond confusion and disorientation.

“S-so... um...”

“A place to stay? Well, of course, I gave my word. You held your end of the bargain, providing me with a half-decent dance partner, so I will hold mine. I'll show you to your room.”

Lily didn’t comment on the insult, and simply followed Mistress. She could be leading them to some kind of dungeon or torture chamber. Lily knew that. It would have been easier to break away now.

So why didn’t they? At this point, surely the still-pouring rain was better than this, wasn't it?

Luckily, the room they were led to wasn’t a sex dungeon. And somehow, there were already pajamas in Lily’s size, neatly folded on the bed. And it wasn’t anything overly skimpy or revealing. Thank the gods. They walked in and was about to sit down, when—

“You know, doll, if you do well, you might be allowed to stay here longer.”

Lily’s heart dropped into their stomach. The promise of shelter... no. They’d have to be this woman’s... dance slut, or whatever. Her toy, bordering on the literal. This was too ridiculous and dangerous. They laughed nervously before answering. “S-sorry. I don’t like being in one place for too long. B-but, uh, I appreciate the offer.”

“Hm.” Mistress clicked her tongue. “I don’t believe I’ve given you my name.”

That was right. Lily would prefer to not debase themself by constantly referring to her as Mistress. Even if that was what she was. “W-what’s your name?”

She didn’t respond. Instead, she walked up to Lily, moving slowly enough they could follow, pressing closer than they ever wanted. Lily stumbled back with every step, until they hit a wall.

They could hear their heart beat.

She flashed her fangs.

This woman was dangerous. They needed to run, now.

Lily struggled, trying to weasel their way out, but she was still as immovable as before. But then—

It happened.

Their lips connected deeply, as Mistress held Lily’s head in place. Lily struggled for a second, their breath already labored from panic. Their eyes rolled up, then closed harshly until tears formed.

And then—

Lily felt a prick in their lip. They moaned in pain into the kiss, a kiss they’d now resigned themself to. The bite was hard enough to break skin, bringing out blood. Was that what she was after?

She just wanted to hurt Lily.

Of course.

Everyone did.

As their lips separated, Mistress licked up the blood pouring out of Lily’s lower lip. She clicked her lips, smiling, a faint bit of Lily’s blood showing on her teeth.

Lily instantly collapsed onto the floor, their entire body shaking.

“My name is Magnolia,” she said. Lily could barely register what she was saying, but they did hear her name, and made sure not to forget it, ever. “But, you should still call me Mistress, unless you’d like another punishment.”

I had suspected, but... no fucking way, Kassandra seethed from inside Lily’s mind. You were right. Look what you've gotten us into this time, Lily!

Magnolia didn’t wait for Lily’s response, excusing herself with one last comment. “Have a deep slumber, plaything.”

It took a few seconds for Lily to fully register whatever Magnolia said to them. They felt dizzy. Dizzy, confused, anxious, and like they couldn’t sit still. It’d be a miracle if they got a lick of sleep that night.

Don’t undress, Kassandra warned. She’s most likely recording this, or some shit.

“Fuck,” Lily hissed. “You’re right.” They hated the idea of sleeping in this girly dress, but they could change back to their usual clothes and leave immediately. Or leave naked. At this point, that was better.

... What had Kassandra meant, they were right?

No answer was forthcoming, so they collapsed on the bed. Ugh, of course it was criminally comfortable. And yet, they had a feeling it’d take at least an hour for them to sleep.

Lily breathed in, and out. And finally, the tears began to flow. They choked out sobs, labored breaths, as they curled into the plush pillow and pulled the blankets over them. They cried, and cried, and cried, until they were spent, and they fell asleep.

Even in their dreams, they felt like they were being watched.