"Why are you doing this to me!?".
I stop tracing the runes on the floor of the dim, stone chamber we find ourselves in. The warm glow of magically lit crystals a stark contrast to the ice-cold fury radiating from Alissa's deep blue eyes.
"You won't get away with this you disgusting freak!" The young mage screams at the top of her lungs. "I have friends, sorcerers much stronger than you, that will fucking kill you as soon as they realize I'm gone".
I watch in pleasant admiration, as the tears flowing down her face offer me a glimpse of the sweet fear hiding under the violent front she is trying to display.
In her defense, it's quite hard to be intimidating when both your arms and legs are restrained. Especially when you are naked, and in a position that makes you look more like an angry starfish rather than a fearsome imperial mage.
"You are pathetic! I've seen plenty of misogynistic assholes like you: rogue sorcerers who don't follow the Imperial Code since they allowed women to join. Your friends are all rotting in the Crimson Dungeons now, and you will join them soon enough". With hair as white as snow, blue eyes, and noble features like these, she could have gotten lucky and married into one of the Families, I muse.
"You think all this is because I hate women?" I ask while checking the runes one last time. Her insinuation amuses me to no end, as vivid memories race between themselves competing for my attention. I cast them aside.
"My teacher was a woman, as are many of the best sorcerers the Empire has to offer. If you ask me, they should have allowed women to study the Arts centuries ago".
My words give the young girl pause, and for a few seconds she stops straining against her restraints. I had to adjust the spell a little since she is slightly taller than average. Twenty-four years old, toned, firm, and with well-proportioned breasts, she's not quite my ideal type, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
"I-if that's not the reason then why the fuck did you kidnap me Dyne? My family is not rich so why go through all the trouble?" Anger, fear, and curiosity dance a beautiful dance through her expressions.
"It's simple, really" I reply, resuming my work on the spell formation. "My faithful pet died and I need a new one".
A twinge of sorrow makes itself known, as I ignore the loud cursing directed at me. Lily was perfect, even broken as she was.
I was deeply touched by the way she sacrificed herself to guarantee my escape, against her own father no less.
"Look at me you piece of shit!"
To think she also used to scream at me like this, when I first rescued her.
"I said look at me!"
Well, that's enough nostalgia, where were we... ah! It's ready!
"What the fuck are you doAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"
A torrent of dark, crimson energy is rushing through the formation I have been painstakingly crafting for the past three or so hours. Even before Alissa woke up and started demanding an explanation for her predicament I was working tirelessly, all for the sake of this moment.
I take a moment to admire the fruits of my handiwork, while my new pet convulses in pain. Blood magic is cruel like that. This binding spell I have obtained years ago in the lawless north, where all sorts of human experimentation is performed daily by the various covens and conclaves. The base spell is a Dominate Monster spell but optimized to work on people through some clever work, performed by some ruthless professionals. The only downside is that it requires powerful blood as the main component, and that is usually very hard to find.
My sweet Lily, ever so eager to assist me. Even in death, you did not let me down.
Lily's blood, howling with jealousy, arises from the runes on the floor, that are now emitting a dark violet light. Alissa's screams have been replaced by soft whimperings.
"Why, please... I haven't done anything to you."
I can hear Lily's hatred for the girl pervading the entire room.
She's not enough Master, she is weak. Please bring me back so I may keep on serving you.
Blood chains now bind the mage around her arms, legs and torso. I gently push my mind against Lily's Remnant, who recoils immediately at my touch.
This worthless fuckpet is sorry Master, I will do as instructed.
"I won't tell anyone, I promise!" The screams become more frantic now that the ritual is in full swing. I watch, ignoring Alissa's pleas. So much work to do.
So weak, and ugly and pathetic!
Tendrils of blood now inch closer to her eyes, nipples, and pussy.
"Wha- wh- who are you??" Alissa's eyes scan the room searching for the source of Lily's voice she can now hear faintly coming from the red tendrils.
I am your new mistress you disgusting bitch. And I will make sure you learn to treat Master with the absolute respect he deserves.
"No! Get this shit off me!"
Finally, the cursed blood seeps into the girl's exposed body, completing the ritual. I can feel the leash on her soul begin to viciously tighten, courtesy of my beloved Lily. She used to have one just like that, bearing on her most inner thoughts and feelings constantly, during the five years we spent together. I am sure she's excited to be on the other side for once.
I gently release the spell restraining Alissa, so that I can lower her to the cold, stone floor. The air is thick with the smell of iron and ashes, and the silence is interrupted only by the trembling breaths of the mage sitting on the floor.
"What have you done to me!? tell me!"
"I bound you to me, so that I may start your training." I finish inspecting the spell and send a mental image of satisfaction to Lily's Remnant. She almost melts with pleasure at my approval.
"You fucked up letting me go like that".
Motes of red, blistering light arise out of thin air, spreading across the whole room before gathering around Alissa's right hand. A bright, incandescent Fireball spell winks out of existence mere instants before being released upon me.
How dare you raise a hand against Master. Writhe like the worm you are.
