The healer had left as soon as I went with the guards. Now having a better look, I could see the dungeons were lighted by actual torches for once. The corridor was narrow and bricked, allowing only two people to be able to walk shoulder to shoulder. The doors to other cells all looked the same, reinforced metal with enchantments. The small barred holes that were at head level were shut with a sliding door to prevent some undesirables to come flinging into the hallway.

Some cells were silent, others were being loud. The shouts and roars coming from the other side leaving much to imagination. The guard in the front hit one of the more unruly cells with his fist, “Shut yer trap or ya get extra 30 whips on yer next session!” The cell quieted down. The two guards walking behind me letting out snickers before poking me with the blunt end of their spears, “Get a move on prisoner!”

Being pushed forward a bit, I nearly bumped into the front guard. Glaring back at them, I growled in annoyance. There was no usual pain coming from these shackles, letting me know they weren’t like the contracts. They looked more like bracers, unbound and giving off a mild red hue.

Turning the corner, I saw the new wing was labeled ward A. After walking to the end of it, we reached a different kind of door. It was large, made of a dark metal I couldn’t recognize. Turing the latch, the guard opened it and entered. Forced to follow, a huge chamber greeted me. The walls were decorated with all kinds of torture tools. There was even an Iron Maiden in the corner, making panic for a second until I recalled my punishment was whipping.

Furrowing my brow, I couldn’t help but scowl at the wide assortment of vicious looking whips. From the most regular, to the ones that had spikes and blades. There were a few small barrels next to them, filled with unknown liquids.

The two guards pulled some kind of odd table to the middle, its shape small and stocky. It looked almost like a metal praying rack. There were drains in the middle of the room, the smell of dry blood made it clear what they were used for.

After preparing everything, the guard frowned and pointed to the stand, “Place your knees on the lower part. Put your hands on the rail. Don’t make this difficult and we might even hold back a bit.”

My eye twitching, I hesitated but did as he asked. As soon as my hands touched the rail, the cuffs glowed. Trying to remove my hold, I found my hands were firmly stuck to the rail. While one of the two guards was preparing a lacerating whip and dipping it into one of the barrels, the other two immobilized my tail and strapped my calves with belts right under the knees. Like this, I was forced to keep my back straight.

“What is that?” I asked with a hiss, while the guard approached with a dripping whip. The liquid had a sour stench, making it clear it wasn’t water.

Sighing, the guard stopped behind me, “A suppressive agent, it will slow down your healing of the wounds. A measure for regenerative freaks like you.” he answered, genuinely surprising me. I wasn’t expecting to get a reply. They shuffled behind be before one of them brought a thick, bundled up cloth to my lips. Sniffing it first, I saw it was clean and bit into it. Clenching my jaw, I took a deep breath through the nose, preparing myself.

A crisp sound echoed in the chamber the next second. A pained snarl was stuck in my throat as my fangs priced through the cloth and into my lower lip from the strength. Holy mother off all that is holy! I cursed inwardly, the pain far more intense than I could ever have expected. I was supposed to get 50 of these!?

Blood dripped down my back, burning as another one landed diagonally from the first one. The flashes of agony continued as my endurance failed at the 25th hit. Unable to keep myself straight, I slumped forward and leaned against the rail. My body quivered from the stress. Although the agent was slowing my healing, it was still fast enough that the first few hits had healed, new ones quickly replacing them. After God knows how long, the hits ceased. I lost count after 30, unable to focus on anything but the pain.

The searing pain gradually lessened while they left me like that to heal a bit. Unstrapping me, I attempted to stand once the cuffs came undone. My legs were like jelly though. Falling to my knee, I panted and glared at them. Only one of them was staring at me with an odd look in his eyes while others avoided me, “Let’s go.”

I with a growl, I pulled away from the man trying to pull me up, snarling at him before regaining my balance. The walk back was deathly silent. Reaching my cell, they opened the door. I didn’t look back as I directly slumped on the bed, cursing inwardly at the horrible experience. Hearing a sigh and the door close, one of them spoke through the bars, “We’ll see you tomorrow so rest up and have your meal.”

Sitting up with my elbows on my knees, I glanced at the two trays on the floor. Both had some kind of mash and cooked meat. A pitcher of water with two wooden glasses on a third platter. I let out a tired sigh. My back was still mangled and covered in nasty wounds.

Although I had decided to accept the consequences, I just couldn't stop myself from lashing out. Every time I tried to fight back, all my energy was drained by the runes. Because of my lack of energy and a shitty mental state my regeneration was painfully slow. My back was burning.

That Evergreen better be worth this shit. If my leap of faith fails, I just might go insane. I don't trust him or anyone for that matter, but I wasn’t in a situation where I could be picky with my decisions. Maybe a little optimism in this dark time could do me some good. My mind was in a bad place currently, I couldn’t catch a break. I grimly plotted and tried thinking up some alternative strategies but none of them seemed all that doable.

Only now did I remember my cellmate. Glancing up, I saw her sitting on the hay with her legs crossed, eating her food. Her eyes had a hint of worry, but she remained silent. Glancing at me every so often, she cleared her throat eventually and pointed at my plate, “You should eat and get some energy.” her voice was nervous.

Shaking my head, I grumbled softly and walked to the pitcher, having a glass of water, “You can have it. I don’t need food.”

She curiously leaned to the side to glance at my back. Flinching when she saw the ugly wounds, she fumbled with her words, "Ummm... Does it hurt?" she asked timidly. I gape at her stupid question and sneer, "Nooo, it doesn't hurt. Everything's just sunshine and rainbows." I say sarcastically, before snapping at her in annoyance, "Of course it fucking hurts. What the hell do you think I'm made of?"

Her expression becoming pissed, she snorts in disdain as she stands up and crosses her arms with a scowl, "You don't need to be an ass about it, geez. I'm just trying to make conversation. I’ve been alone in this cell for three days with no one to talk to. Just my luck the first cellmate I get is bitchy."

This chick... I scowl and roll my eyes, "Then don't ask stupid questions."

I move my neck to elevate the stiffness, letting my bones creak and muscles groan as I carefully stretch. Feeling the soreness of my back, I groan in aggravation and rub my face.

The cat observed me with caution as she took the other tray and sat down next to me on the bed, "Your name is Atkozott, right? I heard the healer call you that. My name's Clary." she introduces herself with a softer tone, “Since we’re stuck here together, might as well not get on each other’s nerves.” I look at her with raised eyebrows. Where did this friendly tone come from all of a sudden?

Shrugging, I sipped at my water and stared at the opposite end of the cell, drilling a hole in the wall, “Maybe I can help you.” she muttered beside me.

I smirk with some humor, "Oh? Do you want to straddle me again? That would make me feel sooo much better." I say with a chuckle.

With a snort, she gets up and sits behind me. I tense slightly while feeling cold air blow on my wounds, "You fucking smartass! My tribe is known for being good healers. Before I was taken and made into a sex slave, I had learned healing magic and a little alchemy. Luckily, my mana core matured when I was still young. I have a strong affinity for water and, lucky for you, my Mana Suppressor isn’t as hardcore as for the more destructive mages."

I turn around and stare at her with a scowl. A light slap on my forehead made me gape, “Would it kill you to relax?! Always scowling, glaring and growling. It’s getting old.”

With a snort, I shake my head in defeat, "Knock yourself out." I wasn’t sure why she was suddenly so comfortable around me, but if she could speed up my healing, I didn’t care.

She lifts her hands and starts chanting foreign words under her breath. Feeling a slight throb in my back, I hold still before groaning in relief. As the pain gradually disappeared altogether, I glanced at the ceiling in thought. The runes didn't activate in the room, most likely there to just keep us in. She was panting, clearly tired from the spellcasting. Sitting next to me again, I saw she had broken into a sweat, the runes on her collar dimming. It got me curious as I lightly turned my head to look at her, "Why are you here Clary?"

She stopped eating my tray of food for a second and wrinkled her nose, "My master wanted to sell me after he got bored, I was too scarred for his taste. Even though he did it himself. Nobody wanted to buy a used product like me so he ditched me at the Colosseum. After I was found, they tossed me in here. Since my crime was simply being out of bounds, I’m not receiving any punishments. I’ll be detained for a while before they let me go. They do that when you don’t have IDs.”

Her eyes shone with a strange light, “After all this time... I’m finally free. How am I supposed to live?” clearing her throat, she averted her eyes, “I heard you attacked your owner..." she said with a whisper.

"Yep," I said briefly and kept silent. Seeing that I have nothing more to say, she resumed eating. I slowly started to feel my energy return, "I think I’ll go and sleep for a while.”

I got up and heard her gasp in shock. Seeing her gawk at my back in disbelief, I smirked knowingly. My regeneration finally kicked in. Thanks to her minor healing, my wounds were healing quickly now. I felt them close as my torn muscles reconnected until my skin became smooth.

Standing up, she gently touched my back in wonder. Feeling her hand on my skin, I moved away with a hiss, "Don't. If you start something, I won't let it pass a second time. Didn't you learn your lesson?" I softly growl and flick my tongue out, making distance from the small woman. She stood with her arm frozen in place. Many different emotions mixed on her face. She looked conflicted as she pressed her lips in a straight line and hugged herself around the waist defensively.

Looking away, she stammered, "I... you're right... I just..." her voice trailed off as she bit her lip hesitantly.

Grabbing the bridge of my nose in irritation, I lost my patience, "Make up your fucking mind. What do you want?" I snapped. I was in no mood to be messed with again or to tiptoe around her unstable condition. She flinched and looked me in the eyes. She took a deep breath, straightening her back as she hissed back at me fiercely, "I want closure! I don’t want to go back into the world a free woman yet trapped in my fears. I want to put everything behind me and give myself a chance to live, not just survive! I- I can't live like this! I refuse to live as damaged goods!" she stopped, silently begging me to understand with her gaze, “I just need to forget...”

She blushed as my eyes widened in surprise at her outburst. Instead of hating and withdrawing into herself for the rest of her life, she sought to move past her trauma. She wanted to fight fire with fire. Feeling awkward at her intense gaze, I scratched my head, unsure of how to answer. Resigning myself to show a bit more backbone in this situation, I sighed and tilted my head, "You better say it clearly. I won't stop if you change your mind halfway this time." it was a lie, I’d probably stop but another case of blue balls was the last thing I needed tonight.

She eyed me for a few seconds, seemingly hesitant. Clenching her hand into a fist, she made a determined face, "I'm willing. Just, please, make sure it isn’t painful...” she said nervously while her face steamed with embarrassment. I had to suppress a cough, maybe this was a bad idea. I wasn’t nearly experienced enough to control myself.

Seeing how flustered she was, I didn’t want to show my own insecurities as I manned up and nodded, "Fine." Walking up to her, I glanced down and lowered my head until our noses touched. I could feel the heat radiate from her face as she closed her eyes. Finding it actually adorable, I relaxed slightly and lowered my mouth to hers. My heart rate was off the charts, it was my first kiss.

Starting off softly with a light brush, I took it little by little while trying to get a hang of it. This was how you do it, I think? She let out a small moan, grabbing my shoulders reflexively, “Careful where you grip.” I muttered between kisses. Figuring I could try deepening it at this point, I used one of her gasps to slip my tongue past her lips. Soon enough, we were both completely absorbed with the new sensations. I had her pressed against the wall while her hands became braver and explored.

We were both clumsy, but gradually getting too into it to care. I leaned down to grab under her thighs and easily lifted her up. Almost on reflex, she wrapped her legs around my waist, paying enough attention not to impale herself on the spikes. She moaned as I explored her mouth, my hands free to wander the female body for the first time. She was soft and squishy, the scent of her arousal slowly gaining in intensity. I parted my lips from hers after a few minutes, breaking the kiss. She was limp and breathless. Her lashes lowered as the red in her cheeks gave her a nice look. Her lips were swollen from making out and her eyes dark with desire. She seemed pleasantly surprised.

Chuckling, I shifted my attention to the door. I couldn't sense anyone outside, so I figured it was now or never. Giving myself an inner pep talk, I slipped my hands around her waist and tugged on the string keeping her bottoms up. The top part followed soon after. Glancing at her breasts, I felt my heart rate accelerate once more in excitement as I gulped in anticipation.

Lifting her higher, I was face to face with two red peaks. Leaning forward, my breath fanned across her naked skin before my mouth enclosed the tempting mound. As I licked lightly, mindful of my teeth, she grabbed onto my horns and gasped. They were so soft... She panted and shuddered while I continued to play with her breasts, "This... so different... What is this... feeling?" she mumbled in between gasps. Glancing up, I could see clear confusion on her flushed face.

Right. She never actually had an enjoyable experience. Feeling determined to do this right, I smirked mischievously with my mouth still pressed to her skin. I might not have much experience myself, but I certainly knew more than her. Hauling her up, she let out a squeal but held onto my horns. Her knees were on my shoulders and her back against the wall. I came face to face with her crotch. Thanking my lucky stars, I was glad she was clean below. At least they afforded her this little form of hygiene.

Seeing the soaked, pink folds up close made my gulp as I leaned forward. Starting slowly and awkwardly, I finally found a good tempo. She squirmed and squealed, moaning in between as I found her sweet spot. The flavor was... unique...

After stimulating her slowly, I finally mustered the determination to push deeper. Her legs tightened around my shoulder as she started to loudly purr. That really was hot. Feeling my own excitement rise, I increased the pace, growling in the process. The shocked shout was all the warning I got as she came.

Moving my head back, I let her slowly come down from her orgasm, lowering her until we were at eye level again. Unexpectedly, her arms hugged my shoulders as she leaned forward, taking initiative to kiss me. Her eyes were glazed, the afterglow on her skin making her even more attractive.

Panting lightly, she ceases the kiss and puts her forehead to mine. Her hands wandered to my waist as she unstrapped my pants. I was up and ready to go. Barely restraining my urge, I gave her one last glance, searching for any sign of reluctance. Seeing only wild desire and need, I gritted my teeth and lowered her slowly. Positioning myself at her entrance, I saw her eyes were half closed as she peered at me nervously but with expectation. Her lips parted, "Do it..." she whispered and shutting her eyes tightly.

It was all the encouragement I needed. Giving her a deep, appreciative kiss, I pushed my hips up, entering her with one swift thrust. Once I was all the way in, I gave her some time to adjust but also gave myself the opportunity not to make a total fool of myself. The sensations were out of this world, making me groan as I stood deathly still.

Sweat flowed down my forehead as I kept my eyes closed. Moving my head away, I check to see how she was doing. Seeing her biting her lip and tossing her head back, I couldn't help but grin with pride. Feeling exhilarated, I slowly began moving.

With gritted teeth, I could feel myself drowning in euphoria. I moved my hips, the thrusts in sync with her swaying ass. Giving that plump rump a squeeze, she moaned. I kissed her again to swallow her shrieks of pleasure and increased the pace. I pounded into her over and over again, feeling her folds constrict with release. Feeling the urge become too strong to keep in check, I pulled out and snarled with my own relief.

Panting in the aftermath of our act, we shared a look. Her eyes narrowed in pleasure as she gently cupped my face, “Thank you...” she muttered and slowly sealed our lips together. Only later did I learn my endurance held a lot more effect when it came to sex.

For now, neither of us could go on as we both fell asleep on the bed shortly after cleaning up a bit.

***

Needless to say, we did it again the next day. We found relief and relaxation with each other. She used me and I used her. The mutual understanding between us was clear. No strings attached, eventually going our separate ways. The punishments somehow became more bearable with the knowledge I had someplace to release the frustrations and stress. Thankfully, they’d give us buckets of water, soap and a sponge to wash every two days.

We did it standing up, against the wall and on the floor, like rabbits in heat. She had let me know that her previous master had made sure she would never have children, making our post-sex pillow talks awkward. We stopped having them after a while, keeping a friendly relationship. It was clear neither of us were emotionally invested, there was no need to make things difficult. I doubted I could ever feel anything for anyone at this point. Maybe it was because I didn’t want to? I don’t believe in love.

She had fallen asleep after our latest wrestling session. Feeling satisfied, I stretched and sighed. I haven’t felt this relaxed... ever. There was no trace of the foul mood I had from the whipping. I felt refreshed and satisfied.

Turning around, I went back to my side of the cell and sat down against the wall. I closed my eyes, inhaled deeply and focused. I wanted to meditate for a while and check the state of my core. I was surprised to see that it slightly grew. It was still as black as ever, but the violet glow around it had intensified. How much longer? I really couldn't tell.

I sigh, “At least, there's progress.” I mutter to myself.

Our days passed slowly, the whippings regularly being applied. After four days, a guard showed up to take Clary away. Her time here was done. We shared a cordial goodbye, knowing full well we will probably never meet again. She regained her freedom so easily, I couldn’t help but sigh. Just three more days and I can meet that damn elf. I was annoyed since there was nothing for me to do anymore but sit around and count the minutes. I spent my time either working out or napping. Ah, life in prison.

Time flew by quickly. On the last day after the whipping, they finally came to release me from the cell. The healer grinned at me widely, “Long time no see, Atkozott. You seem to be keeping your anger in check. You’ve endured well. Good for you.” he said simply before gesturing for me to follow. As soon as I got to the main floor, I turned around and gave the guard who lashed me for the last week a good, vomit-inducing punch in the stomach. After clearing out his stomach, he toppled to the ground but was fine otherwise.

Spears were directed at me as I lifted my hands with a grin, “Couldn’t help myself.”

The healer waved his hands at the guards, “I will tolerate it.” and glanced at me, “Please restrain yourself a bit longer. I’d hate to have to prolong your stay in the dungeon for another week. My Lord is looking forward to finally meeting you.”

With a shrug, I followed the man and two guards who kept eyeing me to a private room. The room was simple, having a table with a few chairs and scarce decorations. It looked like a break room. The walls had a few paintings of nature and a tea set was on the table. Seeing folded clothes on an armchair in the corner, I glanced at the healer questioningly.

Gesturing to the door on the side, he smiled, “I can’t have you meeting my Lord looking like that. Take a bath and dress up, the clothes have been modified for you. Knock on the door once you’re ready and the guards will take you to Lord Evergreen’s office.” With that, he left the room, leaving me totally alone.

Not being one to waste a chance to clean up, I took him up on it and entered the bath. It was small, with a sink and toilet. A stone basin with warm water was in the corner. After washing up and taking my sweet time, I was dressed and ready to go.

The clothes were a simple white shirt and black trousers. My old reinforced boots waiting for me all clean. It was the only thing that survived the battles and my time in the Colosseum. Opening the door without knocking, I was faced with two spears in my face again. With a frown, I flicked them away and glared at the twitchy guards, “Just take me to see Evergreen already.”

Complying with disgruntled expressions, they led me deeper into the maze that was the Colosseum. Going up multiple flights of stairs we eventually reached the office. The double doors were large and impressive. They had interesting depictions of strange rituals and traditions, the ears of the engraved people revealing their origins.

The guard knocked lightly. After a few minutes of waiting, I was starting to get impatient. With a growl, I ignored the panicked guards and pushed the door open. Soon, I found myself under a scrutinizing gaze of an eerie elf and an enraged fairy.