It was a cold evening in the city, and Estelle walked down the street to her expensive titanium racing bike. It was always neatly locked, but this time she was surprised to see a girl cutting the chain loose. The girl, a little brunette with a cheeky face, clearly did not realize she was being watched.

"That's my bike," Estelle said calmly but with a sharp undertone.

The girl was startled and turned around, her eyes wide with fear. "I... I was watching," she stammered.

Estelle came closer, her gaze unrelenting. "You were stealing. And I can report it."

The girl started shaking. "No, please don't! I am still in my probation period from a previous sentence. And I'm homeless... I have nothing left."

Estelle studied the girl for a moment. She might have been slightly stocky, but she had the right proportions, and her cheeky face exuded a certain charm. Estelle thought for a moment and then smiled. "There is another option. You can come with me and obey me. That's the custom at home."

The girl looked at her, her eyes full of uncertainty. "What do you mean?"

"You'll see," said Estelle, holding out her hand. "Come with me."

The girl followed her to the House of the Crane, her heart pounding with fear and curiosity. When she entered, she was immediately confronted by Estelle's two roommates, Sue Ellen and Rose, and two guys who obediently knelt on the floor in their chastity belts.

"Welcome to the House of the Crane," Estelle said, closing the door behind them. "This is your new home. And there is nothing to be afraid of here."

The girl looked around, her eyes wide in amazement. "What... What is this?"

"This is a place where obedience and respect are key," Estelle replied. "And you are now going to be part of that too. Throw out those dirty rags."

The girl hesitated, but under Estelle's stern gaze, she had no choice. She took off her old clothes and stood naked in the room, her arms wrapped around herself.

Estelle produced a chastity belt for women and put it around the girl's waist. "This is to make sure you behave," she said, fastening the belt.

Now that the girl was dressed in nothing but the chastity belt, Estelle, Sue Ellen and Rose started talking about the name they would give her.

"There's something cheeky about her," Sue Ellen said, studying the girl. "Maybe something that reflects that."

"Let's call her 'Bella'," Rose suggested. "It means beautiful, and she is, despite her behaviour."

Estelle nodded in agreement. "Bella it is. Welcome to our house, Bella."

Bella looked around. Her new name had not yet fully dawned on her. She realized that her life would change drastically. No more homeless existence, but a life of rules and discipline.

"What happens now?" she asked, her voice soft and uncertain.

"Now you are starting a new life," replied Estelle. "A life in which you learn to be obedient and respectful. It won't always be easy, but it will make you stronger."

Bella nodded, her eyes full of emotion. She knew she had no choice, but deep down she also felt relief. At least she would be safe here.

Estelle watched with satisfaction as Bella slowly got used to her new surroundings. The girls' house was a place of order and discipline, and she would now be part of it too.

"With your new name comes a new start for you, Bella," Estelle said, with her hand on her shoulder. "Make the best of it."

As a young woman with a sharp mind and a taste for the unconventional, Estelle had made quite an asset with Bella: Bella, a young and supple girl whose life of homelessness and petty crime had led her to this peculiar fate. Stripped of all but a shiny new chastity belt, Bella's eyes searched for any sign of escape, finding only the cold steel bars of the cage that now encased her most intimate parts.

A masterful work of craftsmanship, the belt was both a symbol of Estelle's dominance and a tool to ensure Bella's compliance. It was a constant reminder of her new role in life, a silent sentinel. The smooth leather hugged her hips and contrasted with the metal that protected her from any touch not approved by her new owner.

Estelle had traded her previous toy, Thomas, for a car and was eager to explore the unknown territories of a woman's submission. Her curiosity was aroused, her desire burned like an insatiable flame.

"You'll serve me," Estelle purred, her eyes following the contours of Bella's trembling body. "You will satisfy me in any way I ask, and by doing so, you will find your place."

Bella, once a fiery spirit on the street, now found herself trembling like a leaf in the presence of this enigmatic woman. She knew she had no choice but to submit.

With a flick of her wrist, Estelle opened the door to her bedroom and revealed a large four-poster bed with velvet sheets that seemed to swallow the light.

She gestured to the bed. "Come," she said, her voice a seductive whisper. "Let's start with your education."

Bella, her legs trembling, stepped over to the bed. She felt the coolness of the floor under her feet and the weight of the chastity belt around her waist. The metal was cold, and unforgiving, a stark reminder that she was no longer in control of her body. She knew she had to perform, satisfy or face the consequences.

Once on the bed, Estelle leaned back, her dress slipped away to reveal her nude body. Bella took a moment to take in the beauty for herself.

"Use your hands," Estelle instructed, her voice a soft command. "And your mouth. But remember, your pleasure is not allowed. Not yet."

Bella's hands began to move, hesitantly at first, exploring the soft folds and curves of Estelle's body. She had never been with a woman before, but she learned quickly. Her touch became bolder as Estelle's breathing deepened. Her eyes closed with pleasure.

Estelle's legs parted, giving Bella access to her most sensitive spots. The girl's tongue darted out and tasted the saltiness that awaited her. She found herself surprisingly eager to satisfy this young student who had taken her in. The chastity belt dug into her skin.

Estelle's moans grew louder and filled the room, while Bella's deft fingers danced over her and dove into her wetness.

But Estelle was not someone who was easily satisfied. Her hand stretched out, her fingers creaked snugly into Bella's hair, and she drew the girl's face closer to her and led her to the rhythm she desired. Bella's tongue worked tirelessly, eager to please, to show what she was worth.

As Estelle's climax approached, she tightened her grip, her hips rising to meet Bella's mouth. The girl's desires grew stronger, but the chastity belt was a constant presence, a reminder that she was not there for her pleasure, but for that of her Mistress.

When Estelle finally reached the peak of her pleasure, she let go of Bella with a sigh, her body trembling with satisfaction. "Good girl," she murmured, stroking Bella's cheek with a gentle hand. "You are a natural."

Bella's cheeks blushed with pride. Despite her circumstances, she felt comfort in this praise.

The nights stretched out into a pattern of discipline and desire. Bella perfected the art of pleasing Estelle with her hands and tongue, her body reacting almost instinctively to her owner's every whim.

Over time, Bella's desires grew, trapped and frustrated as they lay behind the steel bars of her chastity. She dreamed of the day she would be released, that she would finally be able to experience the release that had been denied her for so long. But she also found comfort in her predicament, a sense of connection in being Estelle's toy.

The two girls grew closer. Their relationship developed into a complex web of power and submission. Bella learned to read the subtle signals from Estelle's body, to anticipate her desires before they were expressed. And in the process, she discovered a part of herself that she didn't know existed.

Estelle, for her part, began to admire Bella's spirit. The knowledge that she had broken this wild girl, had shaped her into a willing servant, gave her enormous satisfaction.

One evening, Bella found the courage to speak. "Mistress," she whispered in a trembling voice. "Please, can I ask something?"

Estelle's eyes opened lazily, a smile played on her lips. "What's the matter, my pet?"

"I... I want to know when I will be freed from this belt. To feel... everything."

Estelle's smile became malicious, her eyes glistening in the candlelight. "When I feel you've truly learned your place," she said softly, "And maybe, if I think you deserve it."

Bella nodded, her eyes downcast. The anticipation was almost unbearable, a sweet torment that fueled her obedience. For now, she would continue to serve, learn, and hope that one day she would earn her freedom from the belt that had both defined and limited her.

As the full moon was high in the sky, casting shadows in the room, Bella lay in Estelle's arms. Would she ever be released? Or was this her fate, to be forever bound by steel and leather, a toy that could be used and discarded at will?

But for now, she put those thoughts aside and instead focused on the gentle rising and falling of her Mistress's chest, the steady beating of her heart. This was her life now, and she was going to make the most of it, one touch, one kiss, one stolen moment of pleasure.

It was on a chilly Sunday morning when Rose entered the communal living space with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Girls," she began, her voice trembling with excitement, "I have a wonderful idea of how to spend our day."

Her housemates, Sue Ellen and Estelle, looked up intrigued by their breakfast.

"We're going to take Bella, George, and Olaf out of town," Rose continued, "and we're going to let them walk home naked, except for their chastity belts!"

The other two girls gasped in shock, but the idea was too tempting to resist. They shared a look that spoke volumes about the sadistic joy they would experience.

"But why?" asked Sue Ellen.

Rose grinned. "Because it will be hilarious to see how they try to explain their predicament. Think of the stories they have to come up with!"

All three laughed in unison.

They got Bella and the boys together and subjected them to a naked inspection. To start with. They checked the chastity belts and tightened them extra tight. The metal felt cold in stark contrast to the warmth of their beds. Bella was equipped with a particularly elaborate girdle that sparkled in the early morning light.

George, with his thin body and stubborn posture, wore a smaller, but equally unrelenting device. His cheeks burned with shame as he realized the implications of what was to come.

Olaf was the last to be inspected. His eyes searched the faces of Rose, his owner, for a hint of mercy, but found none. The cold steel of the chastity belt was a stark reminder of its place in this peculiar game.

They all got into the 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, which the girls had got in exchange for Thomas. They drove through the quiet empty streets to the edge of the city.

Then Olaf, George and Bella were pushed out of the car on a provincial road outside the built-up area. The early morning dew immediately stuck to their bare skin.

"See how you get home!" Estelle shouted. "Remember," Rose said with sweet venom, "if any of you get arrested, or if you cause too much scene, you won't like what happens next."

The Santa Fe turned around. Rose, Estelle and Sue Ellen drove back to the warmth of the House of the Crane.

The first minutes were spent in silence, with the only sounds being the tinkling of the chastity belts and the softly rustling wind of the early morning. The city was just starting to stir and the few people who cycled by couldn't help but stare.

There was no other option for Bella, George and Olaf than to accept the journey home on foot. They didn't have any money. Where should they put a wallet? There was no point in hiding.

On the outskirts of the city, it was already busier The wind brought the scent of blooming flowers and freshly baked bread. On the bumpy pavement here and there, their bare feet hurt with every step.

"It's a religious pilgrimage," Olaf said, his voice hoarse with embarrassment.

"Yes," George added, trying to sound confident, "We walk to purify ourselves."

Bella rolled her eyes at their feeble explanation but said nothing. She understood that any protest or attempt to explain their situation would only make things worse.

The trio walked on, the metal rubbing against their delicate skin with every step. The belts, a constant reminder of their sexual frustration, made the situation more unbearable. The sun began to climb to the sky, casting long shadows behind them and warming their naked bodies.

They reached the centre of the city, where there was a Sunday morning market. The crowd became denser and the looks more intense.

"Look at those poor souls," said an old woman, clucking her tongue, "the Lord must put them to the test."

"I've heard it's a new health fad," one man joked to his friends, "walking naked to strengthen the immune system."

The three of them ran in a tight formation. In this manner, they tried to shield each other from the whispers of the people around them. They passed a group of drunken revellers from the night before, who honked and shouted at the sight of the naked trio.

George's cheeks burned deep red and he felt his manhood pressing against the relentless metal. "This is ridiculous," he muttered to Olaf. "I can't believe we're doing this."

"I know," Olaf replied in a low voice, "but we have no choice. We have to get home without getting caught."

Bella took the lead. She held her head high, her eyes fixed in front of her, determined not to give the townspeople the satisfaction of seeing her break.

The market was a minefield of judgmental eyes and lewd gestures. They had to make their way with the chastity belts digging into their flesh with every misstep.

A group of young women, their eyes glued to Bella's swaying hips, whispered and giggled behind their hands. Bella felt a flicker of anger, but she bit her tongue. She knew that any outburst would only lead to trouble.

A policeman looked at them suspiciously as they passed. "You three," he cried, "what is this supposed to mean?"

Their hearts were racing, they were stiffening. This was it; They would be arrested.

"It's a bet," Olaf blurted out, his voice trembling, "a bet to see who could walk home the fastest without clothes on!"

The policeman chuckled, clearly amused by their plight. "Well, go on," he said, waving them away with a grin, "but don't let me catch you hanging around."

They breathed a collective sigh of relief and hurried away with the scornful laughter of the cop behind them.

A few brave souls even came up to them, offering five-euro bills to take a closer look at the constructions that guarded their chastity.

Bella felt a hand brushing against her ass and she turned to catch sight of a lustful old man who was lurking at her. "Keep your hands to yourself!" she snapped.

The man grinned and recoiled, but not before he had whispered a crude suggestion in her ear.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached the house. Their skin was gleaming with sweat and their chastity belts had left raw, red marks around their waists. They hesitantly knocked on the door, hoping against their better judgment that their owners had had enough fun for one day.

The door swung open and there stood Rose, Marie-Louis and Estelle, their faces red with excitement. "Well done," Rose purred with shining eyes, "You're back. Come in now and tell us all about your little adventure."

The three of them stumbled into the house, their legs trembling with relief. They knew that their trials were far from over – their owners would want to hear every detail of their humiliation – but for the moment, they were safe.

They described their journey through the city with many details about the market, and the pavement, which was first cold and then hot. And how the reactions of passers-by varied from shock to amusement, and some even made lewd proposals. The three of them, Bella, George and Olaf, had to overcome not only the physical discomfort of their chastity belts but also the emotional turmoil of being publicly exhibited and objectified.

"Very nice," Estelle finally said. "We are proud of you. You have remained yourself and have shown no shame. Now go and make our coffee."

The next Saturday, Rose, Sue Ellen and Estelle came up with a special plan, that would further strengthen their control over Bella, Olaf and George.

The girls had been talking about the idea of having collars made for their "property" for a while. It was another symbol of ownership, a way of making it clear that Bella, Olaf and George belonged to them forever. After weeks of planning and consultation, the time had finally come.

Rose had taken the measurements of Bella, Olaf and George's necks, while Sue Ellen and Estelle had discussed the designs with a local goldsmith. The result was a set of three tight-fitting steel collars, each with a small clasp. The collars were both elegant and escape-proof, just the way the girls wanted it.

On that Saturday afternoon, Bella, Olaf and George were called to the living room. They stood in a row, their chastity belts tight around their waists, and looked curiously at the girls.

"You know we're always looking for ways to strengthen our bond," Rose began, putting a small box on the table. "And today we have something special for you."

Sue Ellen took the box and opened it, revealing the shiny steel collars. "These are your new accessories," she said, holding up one of the collars. "They are made especially for you, and you will wear them day and night."

Estelle chuckled. "It's a sign of commitment to us. And of course, a reminder of your place in this house."

One by one, the collars were put on. Bella was the first to go. Estelle closed the steel band around her neck and fastened the clasp. The metal felt cool against Bella's skin.

"It fits perfectly," Estelle said as she lifted Bella's chin to get a better look at the collar. "You look beautiful."

Then it was Olaf's turn. Rose put the collar around his neck and fastened it. Olaf felt the weight of the metal and realized that this was another layer of control.

"You'll get used to it," Sue Ellen said, touching his shoulder. "It is a sign of your submission."

George hesitated before stepping forward. Estelle looked at him fixedly. "No protests," she said, putting the collar around his neck. "This is for your good."

George felt the lock click and knew there was no way back.

The collars weren't cheap, but the girls had a plan to pay for them. "Olaf," Rose said, looking at him, "you're going to pay for the collars from your wages from the city cleaning. It is an investment in your future here."

Olaf nodded. He knew he had no choice.

From that day on, Bella, Olaf and George always wore their collars. They became a part of their identity, a constant symbol of their subservience. But that was not enough for the girls, as it turned out.

The evening sun cast a warm glow over the garden of the House of the Crane, where Rose, Sue Ellen and Estelle were sitting at an old wooden table. They had their glasses of wine in hand and enjoyed the moment. It was an evening to celebrate, an evening to look back on the turn in their lives and the new possessions that brought them so much joy.

Rose leaned back in her chair, her red dress falling perfectly over her slender figure. "Isn't it wonderful," she began, turning her wine glass slightly, "how everything fell into place so perfectly? I mean, who would have thought that we would have such fun with our new... possessions?"

Sue Ellen smiled as she brushed her black hair behind her ear. "It is indeed surprising," she said. "At first I thought it would be a bit too much, but now I can't imagine life without them. They add something to our house."

Estelle laughed out loud. "Admittedly, it took some getting used to," she said, letting her key on the silver chain around her neck glisten. "But now? Now it's just perfect. They obey, they work hard, and they look pretty nice in those belts, don't you think?"

To make the evening complete, the ladies had decided to order a large dinner from the caterer. The menu was extensive: grilled salmon, stuffed chicken, fresh vegetables and a selection of the finest wines. But the highlight of the evening wasn't the food – it was the service.

Bella, Olaf and George were in charge of serving the meal. They did this naked, except for their chastity belts. The belts were tight around their waists, a constant reminder of their submissiveness.

Bella walked to the table with a tray full of glasses of wine. Her skin gleamed in the evening light, and her face radiated pride. She carefully put the glasses down, her hands trembling slightly.

"Thanks, Bella," Rose said, picking up her glass and smelling it. "You're doing well."

Olaf and George followed, each loaded with bowls full of food. Olaf, the most obedient of the three, served the grilled salmon with a polite smile. George, who could be a bit rebellious, tried to smile ironically, but a stern look from Estelle quickly brought him back in line.

"George," said Estelle, her voice sharp but not unfriendly, "focus. We have no time for distractions."

George nodded quickly and put the bowl on the table. "I'm sorry, Lady Estelle," he murmured, his cheeks flushed with shame.

While the ladies enjoyed their meal, Bella, Olaf and George stayed nearby, ready to meet any request. Rose, Sue Ellen and Estelle talked and laughed, their conversations ranging from art to fashion to the latest gossip about their circle of friends.

They occasionally cast their gaze on their naked servants. It was clear that they enjoyed the power they had, the control over the lives of Bella, Olaf and George.

After the meal, when the table was cleared and the wine bottles emptied, Bella, Olaf and George were allowed to eat the leftovers. It was a small reward, but also a reminder of their place in the household.

They sat on the floor in the kitchen, their plates full of salmon, chicken and vegetables. Bella ate quickly. Olaf took his time, his mind occasionally wandering to the events of the evening. George was dissatisfied.

"It's not fair," he murmured, putting a piece of chicken in his mouth.

Olaf looked at him. "It is what it is," he said, his voice soft. "We have no choice."

Bella nodded. "We just have to do what they say. Then life will be easier here."

As stars appeared in the sky, Rose, Sue Ellen and Estelle felt a deep satisfaction. Their lives were exactly the way they wanted it: full of control, fun and a touch of playfulness.

With the warm glow of the candles dancing on their faces, they decided that the evening was not over yet. They called Bella and the boys with the ringing of a small silver bell. The sound was a signal that provoked a Pavlovian reaction from Olaf and George, who hurried to appear in front of their owners. Bella followed closely.

The keys to their freedom hung seductively on a silver chain around the necks of Rose, Estelle and Sue Ellen.

Rose, who was in a particularly playful mood, instructed Olaf to dance for her, a dance of passion and desire that she knew would bring her to the brink of ecstasy. His movements were fluid and sensual, a silent plea for release that only she could grant.

Meanwhile, Sue Ellen decided on a more intellectual approach. She ordered George to tell a story of love and sacrifice that would stir her soul and make her heart beat faster. George told a dream he had just had. "I dreamed that I was being held by slave traders. It was an oppressive, surreal experience. I understood that I no longer had control over my own body or fate. At one point I was taken naked to a sales room. The air was heavy and humid, and I felt the tension in my body as I entered.

There she stood: an Asian woman with long, shiny raven-black hair. Her presence was both impressive and intimidating. She radiated a certain authority, and I immediately felt that she was the one who would decide my fate. The slave trader spoke to her and said, "I think this is what you are looking for as a watchman for your sleeping quarters." The woman looked at me piercingly, yes, she looked right through me. She began to inspect me, and her hands touched every part of my body. It was a clinical, almost impersonal touch, yet I felt that it penetrated my soul. She weighed my testicles and my penis in her hands as if she was appraising their value. I felt humiliated, but also I wanted to get her approval.

When she finally spoke, her voice sounded calm and confident: "This is exactly what I'm looking for." Her words gave me a feeling of relief, but also discomfort. I didn't know what my role would be, but it was clear that I belonged to her now.

A negotiation followed between the slave trader and the woman. I stood there, naked and vulnerable, while they talked about my prize. Eventually, the sale was closed, and I felt both fear and curiosity about what would happen next. What would my new role as "watchman for her sleeping quarters" entail? The dream ended there, but the images and feelings lingered in my mind for a long time."

The girls rewarded George with a short applause.

Estelle took Bella's hand and led her to a plush velvet couch, where they sat side by side. With gentle movements and whispers, she guided Bella's hand to her own body and allowed her to practice the art of pleasing a woman.

The three friends, their senses stimulated by the erotic dance that had been performed for them and George's dream, became more and more aroused. They ordered Olaf and George to hug and caress each other for a change. They stood facing each other, their bodies tense, their hands trembling with nervousness.

"Come on, boys," Sue Ellen said, her voice full of defiant enthusiasm. She sat casually on a chair, her legs crossed, her eyes glistening with amusement. "It's just a kiss. You've probably done it before. Or are you afraid of a little intimacy?"

Rose chuckled and leaned back, her arms casually clasped over the back of the chair. Her eyes were sharp and full of expectation. "Just do it," she urged, in a soft voice but full of authority. "It's not like you have a choice. And who knows, maybe you even like it. It's time to push some boundaries."

Olaf and George looked at each other, their faces red with shame. Olaf was the first to dare, his hands trembled slightly as he put them on George's shoulders. His breathing was quick, his heart pounding in his chest. George swallowed with difficulty with his eyes wide open, but he did not attempt to retreat. He felt the warmth of Olaf's hands on his bare skin. And it made him even more nervous.

"Good," said Sue Ellen, her voice full of approval. She leaned forward slightly, her eyes fixed on the two boys. "Now, kiss him. And not such a half-hearted kiss. I want to see you go for it. Show that you can do this."

Olaf leaned forward slowly, his lips touching George's. It was a careful, uncertain kiss, more of a touch. George reacted stiffly at first, his body tense, but slowly he began to relax. His hands found their way to Olaf's hips, and he pressed himself a little more against him.

"That's it," Rose whispered. She crossed her legs and leaned forward as if she wanted to capture every detail. "Let go, guys. Feel each other. There is nothing to be ashamed of. This is your moment."

The kiss became deeper, more passionate. Olaf's tongue found its way to George's mouth, and after a moment of hesitation, George allowed it. Their bodies pressed against each other stretched against the unyielding steel of their chastity belts. The sound of their breathing filled the room. It was now heavy and full of desire. Olaf's hands slid to George's back, pulled him closer to him,

"Yes, that's how it should be," said Sue Ellen, her voice full of triumph. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and a satisfied smile played on her lips. Rose chuckled and nodded in agreement. "Exactly. Show what you can do. This is your chance to prove that you are more than what you have always thought."

Meanwhile, Bella was on her knees in front of Estelle. Her hands gently stroked Estelle's thighs, her eyes full of devotion.

"Nice Bella," Estelle whispered, her voice full of desire. She gently stroked Bella's hair, her fingers curling around the locks. "Take it slowly. Let me know what you can do. I want to feel everything."

Bella nodded and leaned forward, her lips finding their way to Estelle's most intimate place. Her tongue moved slowly, carefully, every movement was meant to bring Estelle to the edge of pleasure. Estelle's hands grabbed onto the armrests of the chair, her body tense with excitement. Her breathing became heavier, and her chest rose and fell rapidly.

"Yes, like that," moaned Estelle, her voice trembling with pleasure. Her head fell back, and her eyes closed completely. "Don't stop. Let me feel. Let me feel everything."

Bella obeyed, her tongue moving faster, harder. She felt how Estelle's body reacted, how every touch sent a wave of pleasure through her. Estelle's legs trembled and her fingers clung tighter to the armrests. Her breathing became even heavier, her body began to shake.

Then, with a sudden jolt, Estelle reached her climax. Her body was cramped, and a deep moan escaped her lips. Bella kept going, each movement prolonging Estelle's pleasure, until she finally relaxed, her body exhausted but satisfied. Estelle's hands gently stroked Bella's hair.

Olaf and George, still entwined in their embrace, watched, their bodies tense both from excitement and discomfort.

Sue Ellen got up and walked over to them, her hands on her hips. "A good start, but there is much more that you can learn. Rose agreed. "You have taken a big step today. And we are proud of you. But remember, this is just the beginning. There is so much more we expect from you."

Olaf and George looked at each other, their faces still red with shame, but there was also pride in their eyes. They knew they had done something they never thought they could do, and while it was uncomfortable, they also felt at peace. They had gone a step further in their submission, and that gave them a sense of emotional satisfaction.

In the end, the three owners sat exhausted and satisfied at their table.

Rose thought back to the fateful day when she had stumbled upon the incriminating evidence on Olaf's iPhone, and read through the cruel messages and slutshaming aimed at her, Sue Ellen, and Estelle. The rage that had consumed her then was a fiery storm that had left her shaking with anger and humiliation.

But now, her thoughts had shifted. Perhaps, she mused, Thomas, George, and Olaf's behaviour was not merely a manifestation of misogyny and spite. Perhaps there was a hidden yearning within them, a cry from the depths of their subconscious for a powerful woman to dominate and control them. A desire to be owned and subjugated, to submit to a force greater than themselves. The slut shaming had been a cry for help.

This came as a shock to her, and as she considered it now, she felt understanding replacing the residual anger. They had sought to demean and diminish her, but in doing so, they had inadvertently stoked the embers of power she had not fully realized she possessed. The Wille zur Macht, Nietzsche's concept of the will to power, had been awakened within her, and she had embraced it.

Her thoughts drifted to the moment she confronted them. The way their eyes had widened in shock and fear when she had revealed what she knew, the power dynamics shifting so swiftly and dramatically. She remembered the cold satisfaction that had filled her as she watched them squirm.

Rose's mind drifted to Thomas, whose fate had been particularly poignant. Despite being one of the perpetrators of the slutshaming, he had continued to challenge her authority, his spirit unbroken by her initial retribution. In response, she and her fellow sisters had decided to sell him to a fraternity house, a punishment that had been as much about humiliation as it was about asserting their dominance. He was traded like a mere commodity for the gleaming Hyundai Santa Fe she now drove.

The idea had come to them as a stroke of genius. It was not merely a way to punish Thomas but also to show him and the others the true nature of their power. It was a stark reminder to him of his status, a symbol of his surrender to their dominance. The transaction had been simple, almost mundane, but it had established the order of things. He was property, to be used and discarded at their whim.

It was as if, deep down, Thomas had yearned for the very thing they had inflicted upon him. He had been a wild horse, needing the firm hand of a master to tame him. And in the fraternity house, among those who knew his value, he had discovered his place. He had become their property, and in that, he had found a sense of belonging he had never known before.

The transformation in Thomas was profound. He was no longer the cocky, disrespectful boy they had known. Instead, he was a man who understood his place in the world.

And then there was Bella, the girl they had brought into their fold as a living embodiment of their fantasies. A young, vulnerable soul to be moulded and shaped into the perfect female property. Sweet, trembling Bella...Estelle had not simply taken her—she had cultivated her. Taught her the beauty of obedience, the peace that came with knowing one’s place. She was no longer a frightened girl, but a cherished possession, polished to perfection.

Rose felt at peace as she contemplated the path they had taken. It had led her to discover a part of herself she had never known existed. She knew that she had become the powerful woman Bella and the boys had all secretly craved. And in their submission, she had found harmony.

Absolute power was intoxicating—but it was not without its burdens. The House of the Crane did not rule through cruelty alone. No, true dominance demanded more than just the willingness to inflict suffering—it required wisdom, foresight, and above all, responsibility.

Olaf bore the weight of their responsibility. He belonged to her, and in turn, she ensured his needs were met, and his purpose defined. He could not go to the bathroom without her permission. A well-trained pet was happier than a stray, after all. She dictated his meals, his sleep, his very thoughts, but they did not leave him to flounder.

Power was not just about control—it was about stewardship. The House of the Crane did not rule through chaos. They were not tyrants; they were architects. Every command, every punishment, every reward was a brick in the structure of their dominion. And like any great structure, it required maintenance.

She thought of the way Sue Ellen would sometimes sit with George after a particularly harsh lesson, stroking his hair as he trembled, reminding him that even discipline was an act of care. She thought of Estelle, who had an uncanny sense of when Bella needed gentleness rather than force.

She understood now that the greatest responsibility of absolute power was not just to command, but to shape. To take what was given—whether through force or fate—and refine it into something better. Something theirs.

The House of the Crane did not simply own its property.

It perfected it.