It's the dead of night and there's desperate knocking at the door. A threatening, menacing pounding shaking the walls. I run my hand up the wall, looking for the light switch. It's not there. Where has it gone?
The latch breaks. The door explodes open, and a tall shadow lunges forward. I fall into a corner, trapped and paralyzed. I lift my hands to my face, hoping to shield myself.
There's a murmur in my ear and a tug at my arm. My body is leaden.
"Wake up, Elle. Hey, hey... wake up."
I open my eyes and see a pale light from the window. It casts a shadow on the chair in the corner of the bedroom.
I've had another nightmare.
"It's alright. It was just a dream."
Master turns on the lamp and I see I've tangled myself in the bedsheets. I shake, still trying to get my bearings, my heart beating wildly in my chest.
"Ma- I... I was..." I stutter, upset. I feel the tears welling in my eyes.
"Shh. I'm here. Master's here."
Master untangles the blankets from me and pulls me close, smoothing my hair and kissing my forehead. I nuzzle him, seeking comfort in his scent. Master smells warm and inviting. He smells like home.
"You nearly clocked me in the face with all of that thrashing," he tells me.
"I'm sorry, Master. I didn't mean to wake you," I reply, feeling silly and ashamed.
"That's alright. I think we need a little extra security tonight."
He reaches for my collar, hanging on the bed post, and fixes it around my neck, the bell jingling softly. I like the sound it makes. It helps me remember where I am and who owns me.
"And maybe these, too," Master says as he takes my padded cuffs from the nightstand drawer, fitting them around my wrists, a bit of rope tying them together.
