Ava’s POV

The dungeon felt different tonight. Different colors of candles flickered around the room, casting a warm golden light across the chains and leather. The air carried the scent of melted wax, leather polish, and my own nervous sweat.

I walked in barefooted, completely naked except for the temporary collar I had worn for days. My heart pounded so hard I could feel it echo in my ears. This was the night. The collar ceremony. The moment I would officially give myself to Master Damien.

He waited for me in the center of the room wearing a crisp black shirt, sleeves rolled up to show those strong forearms. His...