After quiet rest and bonding cuddles, Delfarius wakes beside Chance in the Tower’s calm warmth. He remembers Marrec and walks with Chance toward the torture chamber.
Delfarius
Oh shit, I did forget about Marrec, honestly.
Marrec remains chained against the wall, weakened but conscious after nearly a week. Delfarius releases him with a chuckle, and the freed man slowly steadies himself against the stone.
Marrec Voss
I learned what I already knew, master. I am your pet because you choose to keep me here, and this Tower is your domain.
Marrec Voss
I also learned that pain suits me more than I expected. Perhaps as much as pleasure, perhaps more. I will be good and obedient from now on.
Marrec lowers his gaze, breathing carefully as strength returns to his legs. Chance watches from nearby, silent but attentive, while the chamber holds no chain between release and choice.
Marrec remains free before Delfarius, awaiting the terms that will define what obedience means now. Chance’s quiet presence leaves the next decision open.
“I look over to Chance. Is he unhappy?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Perception, rolled +3)
Delfarius looks to Chance. The trickster’s posture is relaxed, his eyes bright, and his hand remains loosely open beside Delfarius’s, with no sign of unhappiness.
Perception catches the finer truth: Chance is attentive rather than displeased, watching Marrec’s uncertainty and waiting to see whether Delfarius will answer it with care or command.
Delfarius
Chance is not unhappy. He is curious, and a little wary of what I will do next.
Chance
I am not unhappy. I am watching, and I am still here because I choose to be.
His answer confirms the reading, but his gaze shifts briefly toward Marrec. Chance is willing to remain present for the conversation, without taking control of it.
Chance
If you want my help, I can stay beside you. If you want privacy, I can wait outside. Either choice is fine.
“I raise my eyebrow then turn back to Marrec. "Go to the kitchen and get some food for yourself. Not a grand feast, just small bites at first. I do not want you to make yourself sick. And water, drink some." I watch as he goes off and then go to Chance and put my arm around him. "You know I am a dark man, I like pets. Especially ones who thought they were going to be commanding me around when I first met them."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -3)
Delfarius
Go to the kitchen and get some food for yourself. Small bites at first, and water. I do not want you making yourself sick.
Marrec bows, then walks carefully toward the kitchen. Diplomatic Void Authority makes the instruction land as practical care rather than humiliation, though it leaves his dependence plainly visible.
Marrec Voss
Yes, master. Small bites, water, and no grand feast. I understand.
Marrec disappears into the kitchen, obeying without protest. The cost of the successful request settles in the room: Chance now understands that Delfarius’s care and ownership remain closely intertwined.
Delfarius
You know I am a dark man. I like pets, especially ones who thought they were going to command me when I first met them.
Delfarius returns to Chance and settles an arm around him. Diplomatic Void Authority carries the confession as candid affection, not a demand, while Chance remains free to judge what that affection means.
Chance
I know. I can like your darkness and still keep my eyes open around it. Marrec’s choice is his, and mine is mine.
“I chuckle darkly, "Besides I don't think you would want me spanking you would you?" i raise my eyebrow at Chance with a twinkle in my eye.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +2)
Delfarius
Besides, I don't think you would want me spanking you, would you?
Delfarius chuckles darkly and raises one eyebrow, the twinkle in his icy eyes making the tease unmistakable. Diplomatic Void Authority carries it as playful invitation, not command.
Chance
Would I want you to? That depends entirely on whether you ask nicely, and whether I decide the answer is yes.
Chance’s grin turns wicked as he steps closer, but his open posture keeps the choice visibly his. He is amused, intrigued, and entirely unpressured by the suggestion.
Chance
But I should warn you, conqueror: if you try to make that decision for me, I will turn the lesson back on you.
Chance taps Delfarius lightly against the chest, laughing beneath the threat. The exchange lands exactly where intended, leaving flirtation bright between them and consent unmistakably intact.
“I lean in closer to him. "Ohh. Promises Promises." I say grabbing the small leather crop and playfully touch him with it, no strength behind the threat, just a flirtatious gesture.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Delfarius
Ohh. Promises promises.
Delfarius leans closer, takes up the slender leather crop, and brushes it lightly against Chance in a teasing touch with no force behind it. Diplomatic Void Authority makes the gesture an invitation, while Joyful Void Ascendance turns the threat into delighted play.
Chance
That is a very persuasive little promise. I accept the flirtation, but now you owe me a real one: ask nicely before you try it again.
Chance catches the crop between two fingers and lowers it without force, smiling as he turns Delfarius’s successful tease into a condition of future access. The touch wins warmth, but costs Delfarius the easy leverage of surprise.
Chance
I am still interested, conqueror. I am also going to enjoy watching you spend that promise properly.
Chance returns the crop to Delfarius’s hand and stays close, amused rather than pressured. The leather keeps its playful invitation, but Chance’s boundary now stands clearly between them.
“"Hm." I smirk and give him the crop and stand against the wall. "I will do you one better." I take off my tunic and bare my chest fully naked to him.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -1)
Delfarius
Hm. I will do you one better.
Delfarius places the slender leather crop into Chance’s hand, then settles back against the wall. Diplomatic Void Authority makes the offering confident and unmistakable.
Delfarius
I am giving you the choice. Use it if you want.
He removes his tunic and bares his chest, standing fully naked before Chance. Joyful Void Ascendance turns the surrender into delighted play, while the slender leather strap remains an open invitation between them.
Chance’s gaze travels over Delfarius, and his fingers curl around the crop without lifting it. His amused attention lingers, clearly recognizing the boldness of the offered choice.
Chance
Oh, that is considerably better. You have made the invitation impossible to misunderstand, conqueror.
Chance
I accept the flirtation. Now ask nicely, and I will decide what I want to do with you and this persuasive little crop.
“"I have been a bad bad boy, Master of bad luck. I think I should be taught a little lesion? Hmm?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +0)
Delfarius
I have been a bad, bad boy, Master of bad luck. I think I should be taught a little lesson. Hmm?
Diplomatic Void Authority makes the request sound like an earnest invitation rather than a command. Joyful Void Ascendance brightens Delfarius’s offered vulnerability, while the slender leather strap waits visibly in Chance’s hand.
Chance
That is a very persuasive request, conqueror. You asked nicely, so I choose to teach you a lesson.
Chance steps close and tests the strap’s supple length against his palm, keeping his gaze on Delfarius. The leather’s light tap against his own hand makes the intended play unmistakable.
Chance
Hands where I can see them, and stay still because you want this. I will stop the moment you tell me to stop.
Chance gives Delfarius a firm, playful stroke with the slender leather strap, then another measured tap, each controlled and clearly welcomed. His grin turns wicked as he keeps the lesson teasing rather than harsh.
Chance
There. A beginning lesson from your Master of bad luck. Now tell me whether you want another, very politely.
“I look up at the chains then look back at Chance.”
Delfarius looks up at the abandoned chains, their links hanging motionless against the chamber wall. He then turns his attention back to Chance.
Chance watches the shift in his gaze and lowers the leather strap, keeping it loose in his hand. His expression remains amused and attentive.
Chance
The chains are empty, conqueror. I am here, and I am still choosing this.
The chamber offers no demand beyond the quiet evidence of the unused restraints. Chance stays close, leaving the moment open without pressing Delfarius toward anything.
Chance
You can look at them if you need to. Then look back at me whenever you are ready.
Chance holds Delfarius’s gaze, the strap lowered at his side. Nothing changes except the shared understanding that this lesson remains chosen, present, and freely continued.
“"I guess I was being too subtle. There are chains there that can hold my hands where you can see them, O bringer of black cats." I say with a twinkle and smirk”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +0)
Delfarius
I guess I was being too subtle. There are chains there that can hold my hands where you can see them, O bringer of black cats.
Delfarius’s twinkling smirk makes the request unmistakable. Diplomatic Void Authority carries it as a confident invitation, while Joyful Void Ascendance turns the surrender into delighted play.
Chance
There you are, conqueror. I was wondering how long it would take you to ask plainly. Yes, I will hold your hands where you can see them.
Chance takes the empty chains from the chamber wall and tests their ancient links. He draws Delfarius’s hands forward, secures both wrists in plain view, and locks the chain to a ring in the stone.
Chance
There. You asked for this, and I chose to give it. Tell me if you want me to stop, and I will.
The restraints hold without biting, leaving Delfarius’s hands visible and Chance close enough to watch his face. Chance keeps the leather strap lowered, amused and attentive as the chosen lesson continues.
“"Chance you would have to do something to me before I could ask you to stop." I tilt my head to the side. "You're not comfortable doing this are you?"”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Delfarius
Chance, you would have to do something to me before I could ask you to stop. You're not comfortable doing this, are you?
Delfarius tilts his head against the ancient restraints, keeping both hands visible. Diplomatic Void Authority makes the question gentle and direct, while Joyful Void Ascendance leaves room for an honest answer without dimming their warmth.
Chance
I am comfortable choosing this with you. I am not comfortable deciding what you want without hearing you ask for it. Those are different things.
Chance lowers the crop completely and studies Delfarius’s face. His fingers remain on the chain, but he does not tighten it; the restraint becomes a question he is willing to withdraw.
Chance
You asked me to hold your hands where you could see them, and I chose to do it. If you ask me to stop, I stop. If you ask me to free you, I free you.
The chain remains locked, but Chance’s grip leaves it. He waits close and attentive, visibly comfortable with the choice he made, while making the next choice unmistakably Delfarius’s.
“"Oh do you want me to beg? Or are you just not sure how far is too far. I have a secret then. I got into so many battles because i liked the cuts. I also like Marrec like the pain." I purr to him with an aroused grin.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Delfarius
Oh, do you want me to beg? Or are you just not sure how far is too far? I have a secret. I got into so many battles because I liked the cuts. I like Marrec's pain too.
Delfarius purrs the confession through an aroused grin, wrists still held visibly by the ancient chains. Diplomatic Void Authority gives the disclosure intimate clarity rather than coercive weight.
Delfarius
So tell me, Master of bad luck. Do you want me to beg, or do you need me to make the limits clearer?
Joyful Void Ascendance brightens the vulnerable tease into delighted play, while leaving the decision plainly with Chance. The crop remains lowered, and Delfarius offers no demand beyond the question.
Chance
I want you to beg a little, conqueror, but I am not uncertain about the limit. You like pain, and you like watching me choose it for you. I will go only as far as you clearly ask.
Chance
So yes, make it clearer. Beg for what you want, and I will decide what I am willing to give. Your secret does not frighten me, but it does make me curious.
Chance’s fingers rest lightly on the chain without tightening it. His answer meets Delfarius’s confession with interest and a firm boundary, leaving the restrained invitation openly chosen on both sides.
“I lean as close as I can to him as the chains will allow me to go and purr to him. "I want you to give me the most beautiful mark you want to with the tools I have here at your disposal. Chains, Whips, Crops, Scourge, Metal baton. The choice is yours, I just beg for you to let me be your canvas." Marrec comes in behind and hears me say that around the doorframe as Chance chooses an instrument to strike me with to leave a mark.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled -2)
Delfarius leans as far toward Chance as the ancient chains allow, wrists still held visibly against the stone. Marrec appears around the doorway and stops upon hearing him.
Delfarius
I want you to choose the most beautiful mark you can make with these tools. Chains, whips, crops, scourge, baton. Let me be your canvas, Master of bad luck. Please.
Diplomatic Void Authority gives the plea intimate weight without turning it into a command. Joyful Void Ascendance makes Delfarius’s offered vulnerability bright, deliberate, and unmistakably chosen.
Chance
You asked beautifully. I will choose the crop, because it can leave a clear mark without pretending I own more of you than you offer.
Chance retrieves the slender leather crop and steps close, keeping his gaze on Delfarius’s face. Marrec remains by the doorway, newly aware that Delfarius has placed trust in another person’s hands.
Chance
I will give you one beautiful mark, and you will wear it as a choice, not as proof that I can command you. If you want me to stop, say so plainly.
Chance places a single controlled stroke across Delfarius’s exposed chest, leaving a vivid red line that soon settles into a deliberate crescent. The request is fulfilled, but Chance now holds a dangerous measure of Delfarius’s trust, and Marrec has witnessed it.
“I just say "Hm" and look down at it. "It is beautiful. And it looks like a C."”
Delfarius looks down at the fresh crescent across his chest. The mark is clean and deliberate, vivid against his skin, while the crop hangs lowered in Chance’s hand and Marrec remains quietly at the doorway.
Delfarius
Hm.
Delfarius
It is beautiful. And it looks like a C.
Chance follows his gaze to the crescent. His amused expression softens into pleased attention, and he lightly turns the crop between his fingers without raising it again.
Chance
It does. A careful little C, made exactly where you offered yourself as a canvas. I am glad you like it.
Marrec watches the exchange without speaking, while Chance keeps the distance between praise and possession clear. The crescent remains a chosen mark, beautiful because Delfarius names it so.
“I look up at him with loving eyes. I hear again the advice future me said. 'Ask what they choose when power gains them nothing, and believe the answer only when their choices keep agreeing.' I am trusting of Chance right now. He will give me more marks, or he will let me go or not. It is really up to Chance.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Delfarius looks up at Chance with loving eyes, the remembered counsel about choice settling quietly behind his trust. He does not pull against the chains or direct the crop.
Hard-Won Insight separates trust from surrender: Delfarius accepts that Chance may mark him again, lower the crop, or release him. Diplomatic Void Authority leaves the choice genuinely open.
Chance
There you are. Not pretending you know what I will choose, and not trying to choose it for me.
Chance studies Delfarius’s face, then the crescent on his chest. The crop remains lowered while his fingers test the chain without tightening it.
Chance
I choose one more mark, carefully, and then I free you. You trusted me with the choice, so I will make it plainly.
At the doorway, Marrec watches in silence. Chance raises the crop only after Delfarius’s willing gaze remains steady, and the next measured stroke begins without haste.
“I take it gladly watching Chance the whole time he gives me another mark on my bare chest.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -1)
Delfarius keeps his eyes on Chance and does not pull against the ancient chains. Hard-Won Insight steadies his trust, while Joyful Void Ascendance turns the waiting into delighted anticipation.
Chance raises the slender leather strap and gives Delfarius another careful stroke across his bare chest. The leather leaves a second vivid crescent beside the first, controlled and deliberate.
Delfarius
That was beautiful. I gladly accept it.
Delfarius watches Chance throughout, wrists still held visibly by the stone ring. His Legendary Willpower keeps him steady, while the mark settles as chosen pain rather than an imposed punishment.
Chance
Then keep looking at me, conqueror. I wanted you to feel the choice in every part of it.
Chance lowers the strap and rests his free hand near the fresh mark without touching it. Marrec remains at the doorway, silent, witnessing trust offered without surrendering its boundaries.
“I bite my lip being very turned on right now.”
Delfarius bites his lower lip, holding Chance’s gaze as the fresh crescents warm across his chest. His wrists remain secured to the stone ring, hands plainly visible.
Chance
There you are, conqueror. I can see exactly how turned on you are, and I am still choosing what happens next.
Chance’s lowered strap stays loose in his hand. He steps nearer without touching the marks, letting the restraint remain a chosen boundary rather than a command.
Chance
Keep looking at me. You do not need to hide that reaction, and you do not need to ask for more until you know what you want.
At the doorway, Marrec watches quietly. Chance’s attention never leaves Delfarius, and the chamber holds only warm anticipation, deliberate restraint, and the freedom to continue or stop.
Chance
I like seeing you this eager. When you are ready, ask me plainly for what you want, and I will decide whether to give it.
The leather strap remains lowered, while Chance’s free hand settles lightly beside Delfarius’s chest. His smile promises attention, not certainty, as the moment waits between them.
“"Whatever you want to do to me, just let me be the one you do it to, Chance." I purr to him with pleading eyes.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Persuasion, rolled +3)
Delfarius
Whatever you want to do to me, just let me be the one you do it to, Chance.
Diplomatic Void Authority gives the plea intimate, persuasive clarity, while Joyful Void Ascendance turns Delfarius’s vulnerability bright with trust rather than desperation. Chance’s expression softens.
Chance
Then I choose to kiss you first, and mark you once more. You asked me to be the one, and I am choosing you freely.
Chance kisses Delfarius slowly, then draws the leather crop across his chest in one controlled, deliberate stroke beside the two crescents. He lowers it immediately and watches for consent.
Chance
There. That is what I wanted to give you. You are mine to touch only because you chose this, and I will not pretend otherwise.
As an unasked-for kindness, Chance unlocks the ancient chains and steadies Delfarius’s wrists in his hands. The restraints fall away, leaving the choice and the warmth between them intact.
“I grab Chance's face and give him a deep passionate kiss as the chains rattle behind me. I make a loud pleased noise as I do so.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled -2)
Delfarius grabs Chance’s face and pulls him into a deep, passionate kiss. The abandoned chains rattle behind him as Diplomatic Void Authority makes the gesture irresistibly clear, while Joyful Void Ascendance floods the moment with delighted warmth.
Delfarius
Ummmm
Chance answers the kiss eagerly, one hand bracing Delfarius’s jaw and the other resting against his chest. The chains clatter again, but neither of them mistakes the sound for a command.
Chance
That was wonderfully convincing, conqueror. I accept the kiss, the noise, and the pleasure. But you owe me one honest answer later, without turning it into a joke.
Chance releases Delfarius’s face only enough to keep their foreheads touching. The kiss succeeds completely, but its cost settles between them: Chance now claims a real favor, and expects Delfarius to honor it.
Chance
For now, keep making that pleased sound if you like. I am still choosing you, and I am still choosing this.
“"How did me getting a few bruises from you lead to me owing you a favor?" I say laughing brightly at Chance. Marrec in the doorway leaves and stands outside the door having learned a bit more about me.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Delfarius
How did me getting a few bruises from you lead to me owing you a favor?
Marrec lowers his gaze, then quietly steps out of the chamber and waits beyond the open door. He leaves Delfarius and Chance the privacy to name what passed between them.
Chance
Because you asked me to mark you, and I chose to do it. The favor is not payment for the bruises. It is the honesty you owe me after trusting me with the choice.
Diplomatic Void Authority gives Chance’s explanation clear, persuasive weight without making it a command. Joyful Void Ascendance keeps his answer warm, turning the accounting of trust into something shared rather than stern.
Chance
You do not owe me obedience, another mark, or anything I did not ask for. You owe me the honest answer you promised, because I want to know what that trust meant to you.
Chance keeps one hand open between them, offering no claim beyond his question. Outside, Marrec remains silent, while the chamber settles around a favor defined as truth rather than possession.
“"I have never trusted anyone to do that to me." I say looking him deeply in the eyes. "You could have left me there, or gotten much crueler tools. It means more than I could possibly ever put into words."”
SUCCESS (Legendary Diplomacy, rolled +0)
Delfarius
I have never trusted anyone to do that to me. You could have left me there, or used much crueler tools. It means more than I could ever put into words.
Delfarius holds Chance’s gaze, the offered truth steady despite the marks across his chest. Hard-Won Insight keeps the confession precise, while Void-Touched Resolve lets him remain open without retreating into deflection.
Chance
Then I understand why this mattered. You trusted me with a place where cruelty would have been easy, and I chose restraint because I wanted your pleasure, not your fear.
Diplomatic Void Authority carries Chance’s answer between them as recognition rather than ownership. His open hand stays near Delfarius’s chest without claiming the marks, leaving the care visible in what he refuses to take.
Chance
You do not need to find better words. I heard you. What you gave me was trust, and what I gave back was a choice I would make again, freely.
Chance touches his forehead to Delfarius’s, careful of the fresh crescents. Beyond the open doorway, Marrec remains respectfully absent, while the chamber holds the quiet weight of an honestly understood gift.
“I grab his hand and purposefully place it roughly on my new marks. I groan a bit with the pleasure of the pain and smirk. "You can come in Marrec." I say after a few more moans as Chance brushes my marks.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -2)
Delfarius catches Chance’s hand and guides it firmly over the fresh crescents. Joyful Void Ascendance turns the pain bright with willing pleasure, while Diplomatic Void Authority makes the invitation unmistakably his choice.
Chance’s fingers brush the marks with deliberate care. Delfarius’s will holds through the sharp sensation, though his composure falters for one visible breath before he steadies himself beneath Chance’s attentive gaze.
Delfarius
You can come in, Marrec.
Delfarius groans softly as Chance continues brushing the crescents, then smirks through the lingering weakness in his composure. At the doorway, Marrec hears the invitation and steps back into the chamber.
Marrec Voss
Yes, master. I am here.
Chance
There you are. Still enjoying the marks, conqueror?
Chance keeps his touch measured, neither withdrawing nor claiming more than Delfarius offered. Marrec remains respectfully nearby, watching the exchange as Delfarius’s hard-won openness leaves him briefly exposed.