Chapter 99: Academic Research

As the magic of the [Slave Contract] takes hold, Julia's eyes glaze over, the fight extinguished within her. She stands, awaiting the man's command, a puppet with her strings in his hands.

"Now, let's see what this spell can really do," the tall man says, his voice devoid of emotion. He regards Julia with cold curiosity, like a scholar observing an experiment. His masked partner stands back, watching with a silent intensity. I thought she would object, but I can feel a tinge of inquisitiveness from her as well… Things are not looking good for me.

He strides towards a padded couch and sits down comfortably. "Fetch me a glass of wine," he orders, testing her obedience. 

Julia moves with mechanical precision, retrieving a goblet and filling it with the deep red liquid. She returns and hands it to him without hesitation. He takes a sip, nodding slightly.

"Sing," he commands, "Something cheerful."