The thought is dashed when Samantha closes her jaws just a bit, her teeth digging into your skin. You let out an involuntary whine, much to your embarrassment.
“Poor thing,” Luchesesia soothes, running a finger over your down-turned ear. “It’s not your fault your mistress sent you to kill me. In fact, I’m sure she’s taken something of value from you as incentive, hasn’t she. Your heart perhaps? Or something else?” Her eyes wander down to your crotch. “Ah, I see.”
You wince.
“Hm, well, I’m sorry to say you won’t be getting it back, now that you’ve failed in your task.” she continues, her voice filled with sympathy. Is she being honest, or is she just toying with you? “In fact, Magritte has little use for you now. Observe.”
From out of nowhere, a pair of shears is in Luchesesia’s hand. Taking a bit of your ruff, she snips off some fur and gets to her feet. Going over to a window, she tosses the fur outside where it dissolves into dust, floating away on invisible winds. “You see, Magritte has already severed ties with you. Effectively, you are dead even now.” Glancing back at you, she smiles. “But why are you still alive, you wonder? Well, you see, the spells in my tower are keeping you safe and preserved, for now, but as soon as you leave…” She gestured out the window for emphasis.
Your eyes relay your next question. Why?
“I wish to offer you a second chance.” Luchesesia sighs. “I grow tired of this conflict. Every time, Magritte sends her doomed minions against me, and every time, I must watch them die, thrown away like rubbish as soon as they fail. It’s disgusting. But at last, I discovered a way to turn this sick game of hers around, a carefully prepared series of spells to keep a severed familiar alive and even bond it to myself. Samantha was the first familiar I rescued a month ago. You are the second. That is, if you consent to becoming my familiar. Once bonded with me, you will no longer have to remain in this tower to survive. However, as with your previous connection to Magritte, you will be dependent on me for your survival. My death would be yours as well. So, if you would rather die free than live under such a contract, I will respect that. I hope you choose to stay, though. I promise to care for you, and Samantha can attest to the quality of my care.”
Even holding you captive, Samantha purrs her agreement.
Bond with Luchesesia or die? Just once today, you would like to be given a choice where nobody has to end up dead either way. Still, at least you can choose for yourself, this time. So, which choice will you make?