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Round Two

Written By: Spudz

The shackles around her wrists held her arms down like lead weights. The bindings around her ankles fought her every step as she trudged out the doorway into the open air. This was her destined fate.

"I'm going to miss you, little one," Sulrano spoke as he led the lioness out into the street by a leash around her neck. "You've made me quite a rich man in our short time together. But all good things must come to an end."

Dailieli grimaced. Filth covered her bare paws: the surrounding city was a disgusting mess of grime and dirt, with the encroaching buildings butted up close against the muddy path that passed for a street. It was a bad part of the capital, ill kept and forgotten, harboring all manner of seedy characters and those who wished not to be found. Just the sight of the mongrels walking to and fro made her fur bristle.

Sulrano had been keen on making her dress before walking the lioness outside. His concern hadn't been for Dailieli's sake, merely to help avoid unwanted attention from the malcontents that wandered about. Much to his displeasure though, she had refused. The simple fact was that she didn't care anymore. After a few minutes of futile effort, the jackal had given up trying.

Her nude figure was indeed drawing a lot of unwanted attention. But the hefty baton at Sulrano's hip, coupled with the two wolves similarly armed walking in her shadow, made sure no one tried anything.

She kept her head hung in silence, and didn't look up when the jackal stopped next to someone. It was only when a strong gloved hand came down to lift her chin up that she met the keen eyes of Ketalo. He was now rather well dressed, with a lavish suit that was accented by a small top hat framed between white pointed ears. The arctic fox's weight rested lightly on a cane, while he regarded her with an unreadable expression.

Compared to the grimy folk all around, he stood out from the crowd noticeably, his attire communicating wealth and prestige. But if the vulpine was worried about being mugged or robbed, he showed no sign of it.

"The very least you could've done is get her dressed," he remarked with disapproval, shooting the jackal a nasty glare out of the corner of his eye. "I still haven't bought her yet. Why do you make this difficult?"

The reproachful candor of the fox made Sulrano blink. "Ah... I'm terribly sorry. She refused to get dressed. I didn't want to force her. She can be a stubborn one at times."

Ketalo kept his gaze on her, his tone all business. "This wasn't part of our agreement. She is supposed to be clothed. I will still buy her, but only for a discount of a hundred fifty from our original agreement."

"A hundred fifty? You can't be serious?" The jackal puffed up, clearly agitated.

"Take it or leave it. If you don't like my offer, then I'll take my business elsewhere."

Sulrano began to speak, but then thought better of it. He wavered a moment longer and then deflated. "Fine, it's a deal."

Ketalo still displayed no emotion as he released the lioness's chin and reached into a pocket of his suit. "Very well. The payment, as agreed upon." He took out a pouch of coins and handed it casually to the jackal. "You'll find the correct sum in full."

Sulrano scowled as he took possession of the coin, but said nothing more. He produced a deed from his own pocket and passed the crinkled paper to the fox, along with the lead to the leash and a key for the shackles. The deal was done. The last shred of hope Dailieli had was gone; her insignificant life was now in the hands of a new owner.

The jackal and his two lupine accomplices left Ketalo and retreated back into the doorway from which they had come, disappearing once more into the squalid underground of the city. With the deal complete, Ketalo tucked the deed into his coat pocket and took a moment to survey his surroundings. "Well now, our ride should be here shortly, and then we can remove ourselves from this vile place."

Dailieli said nothing, relegating herself to her fate. As she stood there, her paws caked in mud, bare tan fur ruffled and unkempt, she could feel the eyes of so many condemning her for the lowly slave she was.

Ketalo paid her no mind. He leaned against his cane and watched attentively as the surrounding crowd moved past, giving off an air of confidence that seemed to ward off any potential thieves or pickpockets.

After several minutes, a rhythmic hissing announced the arrival of a steam car. The vehicle, a finely crafted machine that stood out sorely, pulled up before the fox, dumping a cloud of steam out the side of the drive valve.

A cheery wolf was quick to extract himself from the driver seat and rounded the front of the car with purpose in his step. "Good afternoon, sir," he addressed, smiling warmly.

Ketalo accepted the lupine's greeting with a slight nod of the head. "Afternoon Mr. Qalothis. Punctual as always."

The driver moved to open the rear door of the vehicle in one fluid motion, presenting the rather spacious seating area inside. "It's what I pride myself on." He then took notice of Dailieli for the first time. "Ah, and g'day to you young lass." He didn't seem to care that she was nude as he bowed in greeting.

She dropped her head and avoided his welcoming smile, not saying a word. It wasn't fair that he could be so happy in light of her misfortune.

Ketalo motioned with an outstretched hand to the open car door, still holding her leash in the other. "Please, get in."

Dailieli recoiled away.

His expression became serious. "Get... in... the... car."

The undertone in the fox's voice was quick to remind her who was in charge. She had no power to fight him. She had no choice but to obey.

The back of the vehicle was spacious, with two leather bench seats facing each other. The decadence of the interior took her by surprise and for a moment she hesitated, until a light tap of the fox's cane against her backside forced Dailieli all the way in.

She soon found herself occupying the rear-facing seat, watching as the vulpine casually took possession of the one opposite her, propping his cane upright before him with hands resting intertwined atop the polished brass handle.

The filth from the street was already working its way off her fur and his boots to soil the lavish upholstery of the car, but he showed no signs of being bothered by it. Instead, the fox waited patiently the few moments it took for his driver to close the rear door and round the vehicle back to his own seat up front. "Take us home, Mr. Qalothis."

The wolf looked back through the open window partition separating the front of the car from the back. "Of course, sir. I'll have us there within the hour. Should have plenty of steam to make good time."

Ketalo merely nodded in reply.

In moments, a slow rhythmic pulse of steam began to discharge out either side of the vehicle, building quickly with the car's acceleration. They were soon moving at a decent clip to the muffled hiss of reeling gears and pistons.

Dailieli kept her eyes on the floor. In the uncomfortable silence of the car, she could feel the fox's gaze, but she couldn't bring herself to meet his regard.

"Dailieli, look at me." Ketalo's voice was level and calm. She did look up, and met the same unreadable gaze of his that betrayed nothing. "Now that we are alone, I feel it is necessary for me to establish the rules of my estate." A hand carefully placed his cane to the side as the other reached into his coat. After a moment, he produced a crumpled piece of paper, the very same paper that Sulrano had given him. "You know what this is."

She did. That paper was the deed to her slavery, the only binding contract that an owner had to legally claim her as his property.

Dailieli watched with growing astonishment as the arctic fox casually tore the paper to shreds. He showed no emotion. It was as if he were merely ripping up a piece of trash.

The torn shreds of paper floated aimlessly to the floor. She watched them fall with muzzle hung open, and then looked back to him.

"That paper is worthless as far as I'm concerned," Ketalo continued, his expression still neutral. "I do not need such things to tell me who I own."

It took three tries for Dailieli to speak. "Wha... what do you mean? I don't understand."

"It is simple really. That deed represents a broken and corrupt system, something I want no part of. Now then, let's do away with those restraints." He took the key that Sulrano had given him and reached over to unlock her shackles.

Dailieli didn't try to stop him.

When the last of her restraints fell to the floor with an audible clink and the leash was removed, the fox sat back satisfied. "Much better. You should be glad you are away from that jackal and his ilk."

"Why?" A flash of anger suddenly seized her. "Why did you do this? You took so much from me! I could've won my last match and been free. Why?" She pounded a fist into the seat cushion at her side. "Why!"

The arctic fox never so much as blinked at her fury. "Think about it, Dailieli. Do you really think they would just let you waltz out of there? Just watch as a prized feline slave walked away free?"

"It was a promise Sulrano made. Twenty matches; that's all I needed to win my freedom!"

"Empty words, all of it. Those filthy dogs back there will say anything to get a slave to fight. The ones that fight always earn the best payouts. You know this." Ketalo motioned casually to the torn bits of paper that rested at his paws. "That loathsome jackal had your deed already sold to another owner. Were you to win that match back there, you'd be gone from that hellhole, and the other slaves would've seen your departure as a sure sign of your newly won freedom, spurring them on in their own struggles. It was all carefully planned out from the start."

The lioness opened her mouth to protest, but stopped short.

"Your perfect match record did you a disservice. It attracted the wrong sort. If my sources are to be believed, the new owner that was slated to buy your deed makes his coin in the deepest darkest holes of this twisted society." He leaned forward, fixing her with a firm regard. "There are darker circles of hell than that vile ring back there. Be glad you will never know what hellish fate awaited had your won today."

Dailieli clung desperately to her anger. "You abused me! Raped me while all those depraved animals watched! How can you say that to me now?"

"Raped? Hardly. You enjoyed it as much as I did. It was a fair match, you could've done the same had you won." The fox leaned back in his seat, still calm and composed. "But, I understand your ire. You're entitled to it. Considering the circumstances, fighting you was the only way I could buy your contract." He paused and drew a breath. "I don't consider myself a hero for what I did in that ring. I'm a man not without my demons."

The lioness stole a glance to the nearby car door.

"You can make your escape. I won't stop you. But know this." He motioned toward the window and the passing streets of the city outside. "You won't last long out there on your own. You'll end up right back in the same captivity, or worse. You are best served under my care for now."

His blunt words came like a slap across the face to her. She deflated into the seat, ears pinning. "Do I really have a choice?"

"The door is right there. All you need do is open it and make your escape."

There were so many conflicting emotions; Dailieli didn't know what to do. Her freedom had been within reach, and then had been brutally snatched away. And now here this fox sat before her, the very same vulpine that had humiliated her in the ring, showing her the path to that freedom she had so desperately sought.

Ketalo allowed a slight grin to touch the corner of his muzzle. "You're a fighter. I respect that. But even a headstrong feline like you has no chance when thrown alone into the bowels of this city."

Dailieli's gaze fell. He was right. She made no move for the door.

"A wise decision. Now, I must ask a favor of you." When she looked back to him, he motioned with a dip of his head to a folded blanket on the seat next to her. "You are indeed a lovely feline. I would appreciate it though if you could cover yourself. Your nakedness is proving to be... a distraction."

For the first time since the match earlier, Dailieli became self-aware of her bare fur. Without thinking she reached out for the blanket and wrapped it around herself.

"Much better. I will make sure you receive proper clothing when we arrive at my estate."

They rode on in silence for several long minutes, with the fox seemingly content to stare out the window.

The interlude gave Dailieli time to collect herself. She was happy for the reprieve.

For a time, only the whirling gears of the steam pistons echoed inside the car.

"Do you have any family?" Ketalo had kept his eyes out the window, making her jump at the suddenness of his voice.

The lioness felt her ears splay as she shook her head. "No."

"Any relatives?"

"None."

The car took a turn, bringing them onto a nicer cobblestone street. "That's unfortunate."

Dailieli said nothing. The fox's questions had dredged up terrible memories that she had long since tried to forget. She was glad when he didn't press the matter any further.

Again the silence took over, and both occupants of the back seat seemed content to let it linger this time. Outside the moving vehicle, the city gradually transformed.

Gone were the lowlifes, mud and filth that readily saturated the streets. The pedestrians that now moved about were better dressed, the streets cleaner and more orderly. There were even a few steam cars mixed in with the horse drawn carts. The further they traveled the more affluent the surroundings became.

Dailieli found herself gaping in awe as the car made one final turn into a private driveway. It opened up into a lush sprawling lawn of flawless grass, which rolled up a slight hill to end right at the front door of a breathtaking manor. The amount of wealth on display was simply staggering.

"Sir, it appears you have a guest," the driver suddenly called out. Dailieli had completely forgotten about his presence in the front seat. The wolf hadn't said a word since they had set off.

Ketalo looked over the lioness's shoulder and scowled. "That would be Frobooth's steam car. That is the last person I need to see right now."

The car began coasting to a gradual stop. "Shall I tell him you are unavailable, sir?"

"No, I need to get this over with. I might as well see to this issue now. I'll have Euytha look after Dailieli in my stead."

"Understood, sir."

The car came to a halt with a giant hiss of venting steam. In mere seconds, the wolf was out holding the rear door open for them.

Ketalo moved to exit, but stopped. "I almost forgot. There is one particular rule you must follow above all else. When you are on my estate, you will exercise a demure character when guests are present. Be humble and unassuming. This is for your benefit."

The lioness drew a breath and nodded. What else could she do?

"Good, then let's crack on."

Ketalo exited the car and waited a moment by the door for her to do the same. Dailieli made sure to keep the blanket around her body as she followed the arctic fox out into the daylight.

The estate was a showcase of affluent taste and culture, with finely sculpted marble that formed the prominent edifice of the mansion, a stark contrast to the dank basements of the inner city. She took a deep breath. The air was cleaner here, not polluted and dirty. It was as if the lioness had stepped out of the car into a whole new world.

She couldn't take in the sight too long though, as the fox set off at a brisk walk for the large front door of the mansion, beckoning her to follow with a sweep of his cane. They soon passed another steam car that sat conspicuously parked, before mounting a few steps.

Ketalo paused for a moment to adjust his top hat, and then strolled through the ornate door into a grand foyer with authority in his step.

He was immediately met by a middle-aged wolf, who strode up to him, arm extended for a handshake. "Ketalo! You're looking in good health."

Frobooth was a very imposing individual. He sported a sizable stomach that put Sulrano's to shame and affluent attire that bespoke extravagance. What unnerved Dailieli though, was how he carried himself with unquestionable power and authority. This, she was quick to realize, was a dangerous man.

The fox accepted the handshake somberly. "Mr. Frobooth. What brings you to my estate this day?" The tone in Ketalo's voice indicated he knew exactly why the wolf was here. He wasn't thrilled in the slightest by the lupine's presence.

"You know very well," Frobooth replied cheerily, although his words came with a veiled challenge. "I'm here to wrap up negotiations for the shipments we agreed upon."

"I would've preferred if you had sent correspondence ahead of your arrival. This is not a good time."

"Now, now, I'm a busy man, and have little time for such particulars. I trust that you can accommodate me, since I am one of your biggest customers."

Ketalo set his jaw, propping his cane before him. "Of course."

It was then that the wolf turned his unwanted attention to Dailieli. "Well, well, well, what have we here? A new acquisition?" She instinctively pulled the blanket tighter around her body as he moved toward her. "Such a nice young specimen."

His hand reached out toward her, making the lioness's ears pin.

The side of Ketalo's cane suddenly thumped rudely into the wolf's chest, stopping his outstretched hand mere inches from her. The fox held it there as he scowled. "Mr. Frobooth, I do not need to remind you of the rules when visiting my estate. You are not to touch any of the slaves."

The wolf laughed mirthlessly. "Come now. I just wanted to inspect your new merchandise. What harm could come of that?"

The cane remained pressed against his chest. "You are a guest here, and you will follow my rules. If you choose not to, then I will have you removed. I do not care that you are a _valued_customer. This is how it will be. Do I make myself clear?"

"Surely you jest."

"I shouldn't have to remind you that I also give all my slaves permission to defend themselves if ever violated by a guest."

The arctic fox stole a quick glance at Dailieli, so quick that only she caught it. The message in his last statement wasn't aimed at just the wolf. He was giving her consent to do what she needed to do to protect herself as well.

Frobooth wavered just out of reach for a pregnant pause, before his hand retracted away. He turned to face Ketalo with a knowing smile as the fox removed his cane. "Ever the comedian you are. How say we retire to your study to begin negotiations then?"

"Very well." He turned to Dailieli. "Wait here. Euytha will be along shortly to attend to you."

With those words, Ketalo moved off with Frobooth trailing in his wake. It was very clear that a test of dominance had just taken place, and that the former had emerged the victor against the latter. Dailieli was merely glad the fox had come to her rescue. There was something about that lupine that made her skin crawl.

"That wolf is quite the despicable man."

The unexpected voice from behind made Dailieli jump out of her fur. She spun about to find another lioness standing just behind her, hands folded contemptuously across her chest. She was older than Dailieli, with a conspicuous swath of grey adorning her muzzle. Her feline eyes flickered with a particular spark. "That filth always rankles my fur."

"You're very light on your paws," Dailieli managed, after recovering herself. "Do you always sneak up on people like that?"

"Only when I'm looking for a little amusement." The elder lioness dipped her head in a polite greeting. "My name is Euytha. Ketalo has seen fit to leave you in my care."

"Da... Dailieli."

Euytha sighed with disgust. "Were you previous owners so stingy that they wouldn't even grant you the decency of clothing?"

"No... it's just... I refused to let them dress me."

She grinned a sly feline grin. "Ketalo said you were a fighter. That's just what I'd expect from a tough cat like you."

It was only then that Dailieli realized the lioness was speaking with her in their own native tongue. She took comfort in that. It had been so long since she had conversed with another of her kind. "You are Ketalo's personal servant?"

Euytha canted her head. "That I am. And that station has put me in charge of getting you settled in." She paused for a moment. "I'm sorry. I imagine this is all happening a little fast for you. Let's start by getting you some clothing. It's not right having you walk around with that blanket. Come, follow me."

Not knowing what else to do, Dailieli fell in step behind the old lioness as she turned and padded away.

"Don't worry," Euytha continued over her shoulder as she walked. They passed through a door into a long elegant marble hallway. "Ketalo has provisions already made for your arrival." Another doorway, and another hallway decorated with various portraits and ornate artwork. "I trust the arrangements will be to your liking."

"Why would my opinion matter?" Dailieli asked meekly.

Euytha paused and looked back over her shoulder. After a moment her tail gave a few flicks. "You'll find that your opinion matters on quite a number of things."

Dailieli let the silence between them hang as her gaze dropped to the finely polished marble floor. What exactly did she mean by that?

"Don't worry about that for now. Come, let's get you properly dressed."

Several minutes later in a fitting room of the mansion, Dailieli found herself wearing a ridiculous servant outfit, a chambermaid's dress. Euytha watched from nearby as she took in her new appearance in a threefold standing mirror. "The best money can buy. Ketalo makes sure that his slaves are well taken care of."

"This is normal attire?" The whole thing looked outlandish.

Euytha wore something of similar taste, although the elder lioness's dress was more stylishly muted in appearance. "Indeed. It may seem unusual, but that is the accepted dress of all slaves who serve within the master's household. Anything else would attract unwanted attention from guests such as that repugnant Frobooth."

The dress was pleasantly smooth to the touch, woven from the finest cotton. It was strange to see herself wearing something other than the tattered rags Sulrano had afforded her. It may have been ridiculous in appearance, but it was quite comfortable.

"Now that we know you can fit into one of these, I'll have a new set of clothing washed and properly conditioned that will be yours. Meanwhile, I believe you are due a bath."

Dailieli frowned at Euytha's adamant tone. "Right now?"

"Of course, dear. And I'll be having no excuses. Now, come, come."

Once again, Dailieli was forced to follow the elder lioness through the winding maze of the mansion. By now, she didn't know what to think. It was all happening too fast just as Euytha had said, and there was nothing she could do but go along for the ride.

The rest of the afternoon and early evening rushed by in a blur. When night fell, the constant whirl of activity mercifully wound down. At the end of it all, a humble guestroom proved to be the journey's end, her guestroom... it was hard to comprehend that this luxurious abode was actually hers for the night.

As Dailieli sat at one of two chairs that occupied a coffee table, exhausted from the day's hustle and bustle, Euytha emerged through the door sporting a polished silver tray in one hand, which turned out to hold two cups for tea and a steaming kettle.

The elder lioness carefully placed the tray onto the table and set about pouring the hot beverage into the two cups while crickets chirped eagerly outside the nearby window. "I hope you don't mind that I brought us a spot of herbal tea. Always a good way to unwind after a stressful day."

Dailieli eyed the steaming cup as Euytha placed it before her. Very rarely had she seen any canine drink such a thing. Down in the pits of the city, cheap beer had always been the primary beverage of choice. Sulrano in particular had possessed a knack for drinking himself into a stupor on a regular basis.

She picked up the porcelain cup and immediately felt the warmth of the drink as it worked its way through her cupped hands. "Does Ketalo permit us to partake in indulgences like this?" Herbal tea was, after all, a very expensive commodity to enjoy.

Euytha chuckled lightly. "Of course he does. But in this case, that doesn't even matter. I bought this tea through my own means."

"You purchased this yourself? How?"

"I'm given an allowance for my services." The elder lioness casually took a sip of her tea as she occupied the seat opposite Dailieli. "Every slave on this estate is paid a stipend."

You're paid?" The incredulity was clear in her words. "You can't be serious?"

"I am very serious," Euytha replied. "While it is a fairly uncommon practice in this society, it has always been such on this estate."

Dailieli eyed the cup in her hands, watching the steam slowly wisp from the amber liquid within. "A paid slave..."

"I understand your doubt. But I speak nothing but the truth."

"How long have you been living here?"

"Nineteen years." She took another careful sip of tea. "Ketalo's father bought me off a rather unpleasant coyote, who I would sooner forget if given the chance." She set the cup down onto the table. "I was Ketalo's guardian back then, and now I am the estate's head servant. And I haven't regretted a day of my tenure since."

Dailieli saw the conviction in the lioness's eyes that gave truth to her every word. She ventured a cautious taste of her drink, and was surprised by the brew's peppermint tang. It was soothing to the palate, helping to put her mind at ease a little. "You've looked after Ketalo for all those years?"

Euytha nodded. "I watched him grow up, become the affluent businessman that he is today."

"And what of his father?"

Her gaze fell. "He passed, over two years ago. I do... greatly miss him."

The genuine sadness in her voice came as a surprise to Dailieli.

After several long moments, Euytha seemed to come back to the here and now. "I'm sorry. It's still hard for me to think about that day." She took a moment more to compose herself. "Since Dottga's passing, I made it a goal to stay right here where I am today for Ketalo. I know you probably won't understand, but I feel as though I owe his father a personal debt for saving me those nineteen years ago."

"No, I suppose I can't. I don't understand how you can hold fidelity in someone like that fox."

Euytha's tail gave a quick flick behind her chair. "I should apologize for Ketalo's callousness. It's just the way he is, how his father raised him. Don't take it the wrong way."

Dailieli blinked. "I don't understand."

"I know that he can appear to be uncaring, perhaps even cruel in some respects."

The young lioness thought back to the match. "He is... I don't know what to think of him." She set the cup of tea onto the table, suddenly not favoring the drink. "He did such awful things to me."

Another lash of Euytha's tail. "He told me all the details of that wretched place before your match, and the type of fights you were forced to undertake. I understand your predicament, and maybe I can help ease your mind."

"Can you?" The question was almost pleading.

"Ketalo is only of twenty eight years, I'm sure not much older than yourself. He was forced to take over the family business when his father passed at far too young an age."

Dailieli recoiled in surprise. "He seems so much older."

"That is by his design. The callousness of his air is how he copes with all the difficulties that come with running the business. It gives him the edge he needs to deal with headstrong businessmen and ruthless capitalists, and all the nasty tricks they employ to better agreements and what have you. If he were ever to show his age, they would walk all over him." She paused a moment to pour herself another cup. "Ketalo is a master of deception and guise. He can fool anyone with carefully crafted lies and devious tact. It's his uncanny knack."

"What does this all have to do with me?"

"It has to do with all of us. Ketalo doesn't believe in slavery. It's a vile practice that has no place in this modern world. But it persists all the same."

Dailieli started. "Doesn't believe in slavery? Then why are you and me here right now?"

"You're not hearing me, darling. He doesn't believe in the practice, but that doesn't mean he can choose to abstain from it readily. Wealthy businessmen and politicians are expected to own slaves. It's almost a law in this crooked city, perhaps more of an unwritten agreement. And with that belief comes deeper expectations of a darker nature." She sighed, casting away the contempt that had been building in her voice. "I don't know the particulars, and Ketalo refuses to enlighten me on what other canines of power do to their slaves. What I do know is that we are both very lucky."

It took a moment for Dailieli to take all of it in. "So he keeps us here as slaves just to conform with the other wealthy dogs? We're just trophies for him to put on display?"

"No, of course not. There was much more to you being brought here than that." Euytha leaned across the table to place a comforting hand on her shoulder. "That is a question only Ketalo can answer though. It would be best if you asked him personally. I'm sure he can give you the answer you seek."

"I don't know..."

Euytha polished off the last of her drink, before setting the empty cup onto the table. "You've had a long day. I'm sure you are exhausted." She moved to stand. "Get some rest. You can worry about all of this tomorrow when your mind is refreshed."

Dailieli was about to protest, when a raised hand from the elder lioness stopped her short.

"I'll be having no gripes. Water closet is in the next room over with all the linens you'll need. Just make yourself at home. I'll come check on you in the morning."

She suffered Euytha's unwavering glare for a second, before ducking her head in defeat.

Satisfied, the elder lioness moved toward the door to leave. "Have a pleasant sleep. Tomorrow is always another day."

And then she was gone, and Dailieli found herself alone with nothing but the chirping crickets and her troubled thoughts.

Sleep didn't come readily. Even with a bed so wonderfully soft, and pillows of the finest down, she tossed and turned, unable to find the comfort she sought.

Not a day ago, her sleeping quarters had been nothing more than a concrete cell with an old moldy mattress and a rough cotton blanket. And that had been a luxury, far above what most slaves were afforded. This bed... she felt dirty just lying in it. It wasn't fair, none of this was.

And what of Ketalo? What was she supposed to think of him? Just the thought of the fox brought on a slew of conflicting emotions, agitating her restlessness. She wanted to believe what Euytha had said. It would've been so easy to.

When sleep finally did come some hours later, it brought with it a long dreamless respite.

******

The following morning met the lioness with vibrant energy. It came as a surprise when the sun shaft from the nearby window worked its way up onto the bed to settle on her features.

Her eyes flew open, a brief wave of panic overtaking her at the brightness of the day.

The lavish room was alien, unfamiliar. Something was wrong. She sat up, the covers falling away from her nakedness.

And then it all came back; Ketalo, the fight, her new home...

All the building panic rushed out of her like a torrent. Dailieli took a moment, drawing a slow steady breath and exhaling. Feeling the air rush from her lungs served to chase away the last ebbs of her muddled drowsiness.

She had expected to find Euytha waiting when she had awakened, or the door to be barred. But there was no one to be seen, and the door was cracked open, permitting free entry into the hallway beyond.

A cleanly folded stack of servant clothing sat conspicuously next to a covered tray on the nearby coffee table, indicating that the elder lioness had been in the room at some point. Dailieli was usually a light sleeper. How Euytha had snuck in and out without waking her was a mystery.

The chambermaid dress was comfortable when she put it on, and the food contained within the covered tray proved a refreshing break of her fast.

No one came for her. There wasn't even any sign of activity in the hallway beyond her room. Only the periodic chirping of some unseen birds outside the window greeted her keen ears, breaking the otherwise unnerving silence. She didn't know what to do.

Inaction soon gave rise to curiosity, and after a time Dailieli decided to venture out in the hopes of finding... well, what or who she wasn't sure.

The estate proved to be even more massive than she had originally thought. Each room she ended up investigating was full of lavish furniture and artwork, but none were occupied.

She ended up passing through several sitting rooms, a large dining hall, and even an indoor swimming pool. The amount of wealth on display was staggering. Never before would she have imagined that such affluence could exist. She was too shocked by it all to find anger.

How can they just let me roam about? What's to stop me from escaping?

The thought made Dailieli pause with a hand on a door handle. What was stopping her from escaping? There was no one watching her, no locked doors, nothing. She could walk right off the estate and no one would be the wiser.

But where could she go? She had nothing, no money or transportation. No connections to help her get away. Maybe she could steal a steam car... no, that would only get her to the edge of the city at best, and she didn't know how to operate one to begin with. A horse perhaps? Maybe... no, no that wouldn't work. Even if she could find one, a feline riding through town would draw too much unwanted attention.

Dailieli's shoulders sank as she realized how trapped she really was. There were no locked doors, no guards to watch over her, because there was no need. She would have no chance out beyond the walls of the estate. The risk of being captured and thrown right back into servitude, or worse, was too great. Her best chance of survival, as much as she wished otherwise, was to remain here. Perhaps maybe, just maybe, that was not so bad?

A dull thud drew the lioness's attention back to the door she currently stood before. There was someone in the room beyond. Her hand still rested on the polished brass handle, poised to turn it and enter. She had come this far. But the thought of escape still lingered.

In that moment, Dailieli found herself at a crossroads. There were two paths laid out before her, both leading to two different futures that were yet unknown. The decision weighed on her shoulders like a mountain.

The lioness sighed.

Her hand slowly turned the handle, allowing the door to open. And without a second's hesitation, she passed through its threshold, choosing the path she would follow. What she found on the other side came as a surprise.

The room was far larger than she had initially expected. In the center, a fighting ring stood prominently, the very same sort of raised surface that Dailieli had fought her matches on back in the slums. But there were no stands for an audience, nor any windows to permit natural light like the rest of the estate.

A series of hanging incandescent bulbs above the ring bathed the space in an unnatural yellow hue, as well as the normally ghost white fur of Ketalo, who occupied the canvas. She found him frozen in the most unnatural of positions she had ever seen.

The fox remained motionless, balancing precariously on his hands with body extended perfectly straight out parallel to the canvas. He wasn't wearing any clothing, allowing all the smooth curves of his body to stand out as his muscles worked carefully to keep him balanced. Dailieli didn't know what to make of the sight.

After a moment, Ketalo drew a slow breath and shifted his weight. His one leg ended up curled awkwardly over his head, while the other jutted out at a right angle to his body, maintaining equilibrium with the new pose. The lioness was amazed. He looked so unnatural, with his figure literally twisted in a knot, tail held rigidly in the air. And yet, he maintained a certain harmony through it all, keeping himself perfectly in tune with his balance.

The fox's new position afforded Dailieli an unhindered view of his sheath and furry balls, making her heart skip a beat. For a moment, she thought back to their bout the day prior, and the savage rutting he had given her...

She felt a rush of shame for even dwelling on such a thing. With difficulty, she forced herself to look away.

At that moment, Ketalo's body suddenly uncoiled like a spring. In a whirl of fluid motion, he brought himself onto his paws, letting momentum do most of the work. He made the agile movement seem so casual with a relaxed sigh and an impassive countenance. Some seconds later, he finally seemed to take notice of her presence.

The arctic fox smirked. "Ah, I see you've found my little hiding place. And, I see that Euytha has procured for you some servant attire." He stepped toward her, and came to lean lightly on the turnbuckle nearest the lioness. "Can't say that I like the chambermaid look on you. It doesn't seem... fitting."

Dailieli grasped the bottom hem of her dress in a hand. "Do all your slaves wear this ridiculous clothing?"

"Only the ones that let Euytha have her fun." When he saw her suddenly cross look he uttered an amused chuckle. "In due time I will see that you get something more becoming of you."

The lioness made a point to smother her anger. She hadn't seen Ketalo since they had arrived at the estate yesterday. He seemed different now, more animated.

"So you decided to wander about my estate all your own?" he continued, still giving her a pompous grin. "Good on you, really. I like a feline who is daring and adventurous." He leaned down to procure a glass of water that had been sitting next to the turnbuckle and took a generous swig of the ice cold liquid. "You must already know your way around by now."

Dailieli nodded hesitantly. She had made sure to commit the parts of the manor she had explored to memory. It was a safe bet she could probably find her way back to her room if she had to.

"Excellent, that will make getting you acclimated all the more easy."

As the arctic fox took another drink, Dailieli worked up the courage to venture a question. "What exactly were you doing just now?"

He raised an eyebrow over the brim of his drink. "What? That simple exercise?" He placed the now empty glass back where it had been. "It's called Sutra, or Yoga Sutras of Patañjali... the stilling of the changing states of the mind. A martial art, of sorts, from the Far East."

"And this martial art, it involves twisting yourself into knots?"

He found amusement in her confused look. "I suppose you could say that. Sutra is the practice of physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines. Finding harmony between the three is the goal. I wouldn't even call it a martial art, as there is no focus on combat. It functions more as a vehicle for relaxation; a good stress leave if you will."

Dailieli still didn't quite understand. Her feline tail flicked about. "So you twist yourself into weird awkward positions, and that somehow brings inner peace?"

"In a simplistic sense, yes." Ketalo suddenly dropped down into a near perfect split on the canvas, catching her off guard. He performed the motion effortlessly, without any signs of discomfort. "Sutra is also beneficial to flexibility and dexterity. Always helpful to have such traits in any martial art, wouldn't you agree?"

The fox's split had drawn Dailieli's gaze right back to his maleness, which she had been studiously trying to ignore. Again she found herself flustered. "I... can see that."

He didn't hold the position long though, and quickly brought himself back onto his paws. "I think you would benefit from Sutra just as I have. Perhaps, sometime, I can teach its traditions to you."

The lioness was at a loss. This wasn't the same Ketalo from yesterday, the one she had come to expect. Was this another one of his guises like Euytha had said? She had no way of really knowing. He was such a hard man to figure out.

"I know what you're thinking." The fox moved up to the ropes just above where she stood, placing an arm atop the nearby turnbuckle. "You're confused, lost. You don't know what to make of all these sudden changes. Am I right?"

She bit her lip, and then nodded reluctantly.

"It's understandable. We'll work out permanent living arrangements, your responsibilities, everything to get you properly settled in. In due time you will be right at home."

His nakedness was right at her eye level and he didn't seem the least bit bothered by it. She forced herself to look up into his eyes. "What will my responsibilities be?"

"I have a particular role in mind for you." When she only stared at him blankly, he smiled like a practiced teacher lecturing a naive student. "You are a skillful fighter, well versed in the Calo martial arts. You have talent, and I wish to put said talent to use."

Dailieli took a second to work up her courage. "What do you want of me?"

"I want you to be my sparring partner," he replied simply.

He waited patiently, letting her absorb what he had said. After several long seconds of silence, Dailieli looked to him in surprise. "Sparring... partner?"

Ketalo motioned to the room around him. "This is my escape. In here, I can distance myself from the wretchedness of this society, and obtain harmony with mind and body through the practice of the martial arts. Surely you can understand?"

His frankness caught her off guard. She nodded dumbly.

"I enjoy spending my free time here, what time I have. It's enough just to get away from running the business. But I've always wanted more than to simply exercise and practice under the tutelage of instructors."

"You want someone to fight against?"

"Not just that. I want a sparring partner who can put my skills to the test, who can adapt and challenge my knowledge of the martial arts. Learning and training under a master only takes me so far. I want more. And that is why I bought you." He leveled a finger at her. "When I heard of your exploits in the underground fighting circuits, I knew you were the perfect fit for my needs."

Dailieli tilted her head. "How so?"

"I've always had a fondness for the Calo discipline," Ketalo replied candidly. "It is a unique style that promotes nonlethal combat tactics, with a history that can be traced back to a more civilized time when differences could be settled in a ring not unlike this one. There was no need for wars, or weapons then, just a mastery of mind and body. This is one aspect of feline culture that I truly envy."

"You know quite a bit of our history."

"I've been taught well over the years." He patted the top of the turnbuckle with a hand. "And so I've focused my studies on the nonlethal styles, Calo being one such discipline. And now that I have a skilled fighter to practice against, I can take my knowledge to new levels. Maybe you can even learn something yourself."

The fox's words stung her unintentionally. "A skilled fighter? You beat me handily in the ring. How can you say that?"

He held up a finger to forestall her. "I won because I played the situation to my favor. Had we fought under different circumstances, the outcome might've been different." He brought a hand up to his muzzle in thoughtful countenance. "Although, you still have your shortcomings in the ring. I think, perhaps, I'd still have you bested."

Ketalo spoke the last line with a playful smirk, making her blink. She found herself thinking back to the match. "What shortcomings would that be?"

He canted his head with a shrewd look. "For one, you let me get into your head. Before we even fought, I had your fur riled, and that anger played against you. A fight is as much a mental game as it is physical. When you let your emotions get the better of you, the fight was already over."

The fox was right. Looking back, it was easy to see how he had bested her on an emotional level. "I'll concede that point."

"And, of course, the second, and perhaps more important issue, is that I could see your moves before you even made them."

"How is that possible? I was adamant about guarding against that very thing."

"Yes, you were. I could see your thought process as the match unfolded. You were thinking ahead, anticipating my moves. However, what you failed to account for was that I was reading your counters."

"How can you do that?"

Ketalo leaned over the ropes to regard her more directly. "I've studied Calo for some years under the teachings of my master, since my younger days as a pup. From that knowledge I could see that you use Huga Style. Am I right?"

She ducked her head. "Yes."

"Knowing that, it was quite easy to predict how you would react. I know every move you could've possibly made."

Dailieli set her expression. She prided herself on her fighting abilities. They were what defined her. She had never made it to the master level, but that didn't mean she wasn't practiced in the martial arts. It hurt to hear her abilities so casually dissected by the fox. How could he so carelessly brush aside years of training and practiced discipline? Was he goading her?

"Don't let it bother you," Ketalo went on nonchalantly, seemingly unaware of her growing annoyance. "Calo is a strong martial art, but it's not without its weaknesses."

She gave an irritated sighed, making up her mind on impulse. "Let's put that to the test then."

The arctic fox raised an eyebrow.

She started to take off her chambermaid dress. "If you're familiar with Calo, then you know the rules of a challenge bout. Best of three submissions to declare a winner." She finished removing the ridiculous dress, underclothing and all, and carelessly tossed it aside. "Are you up for the contest?"

Ketalo's expression was one of surprise. He took in the sight of her nude form, his eyes dancing across all her supple curves and soft tan fur. She had genuinely caught him off guard. "A match? You want to have a match now?"

"Why not. I want to see how well I really compare to your oh so brilliant fighting skills."

The fox weighed his options, before a flash of intrigue played his expression. "Well ok then. Let's see what you have." He watched, with rapt interest, as she climbed her way up through the ropes of the ring. "This will be between you and me."

"I want it no other way." Dailieli took a moment to perform a few light stretches. She noted, out of the corner of her eye, that the fox continued watching her with interest. She tried to ignore the slight bulge that adorned his ample sheath. "Best of three rounds."

"I'm ready whenever you are."

Dailieli took a moment to compose herself and dropped down into a ready stance. She then faced down Ketalo, who stood casually, still taking in her nudeness with hungry eyes. He didn't seem ready...

The fox suddenly exploded toward her with unexpected speed, taking her by surprise.

She fell back in a defense stance, unsure how he planned to attack.

Ketalo didn't give her time to guess as he lunged out, not with his hands, but with his paws.

Dailieli wasn't ready for the move. His legs tangled with hers, and then her balance was thrown, forcing her to fall backwards onto the canvas with a startled gasp.

In a mere instant, the fox had his legs and body wrapped around one of her own legs, his arms holding her paw in an unbreakable toe hold. It was over before it had even begun.

The lioness flashed her fangs in both pain and frustration as he applied the hold just enough to let her know she was defeated.

Dailieli was forced to tap a hand on the canvas. "I give!"

He released the hold, but kept his body wrapped around her leg. "I caught you sleeping. Just because your opponent doesn't assume a stance, doesn't mean he's not a threat. A good lesson, I would think, to learn."

She sat up on her elbows to regard him crossly. "You're very quick. How did you do that?"

"I've learned from the best. I may be deft on my paws, but my master has always been quicker. As for that attack, it's a special move that she developed herself."

He was panting now, but not from exertion. She could feel his hardening arousal against her trapped leg.

Ketalo released his hold and let her gain her paws once more. The fox was indeed aroused, the tip of his erection already poking out of his sheath. Maybe she could use this to her advantage...

They squared off again, and this time he fell into a fighting stance. For a few seconds they circled one another, each carefully watching the other.

This time Dailieli made the first move. She went low, trying to take Ketalo around the waist. But the fox countered. They ended up falling to their knees, locked in a grapple with arms around one another. Neither could make any headway.

Ketalo's arousal saturated her nose, drowning out everything else. His fur was pleasantly soft, his warmth inviting. She listened to his ragged breath, felt his body strain to maintain composure. He wasn't focused.

Dailieli was also having trouble concentrating. Her senses were reeling. It was becoming harder and harder for her to maintain her stance. She had to do something, and quick.

The arctic fox's erection bobbed enticingly just before her, just aching for attention. She didn't think, taking a chance, and reached out.

Ketalo froze, his breath catching, as her fingers wrapped around the slick exposed flesh of his length. She pulled down on his engorged sheath, easing the rest of his maleness out, allowing the beginnings of his knot to pop free.

The fox didn't stop her. Instead he uttered a heady groan, his body tensing above her. This was her chance. She had the upper hand!

A quick deliberate shove pushed Ketalo off her to fling him down onto the canvas on his back. Before he could react, she had his haunches in the air with his legs draped over her either shoulder, pinning the vulpine to the ring.

His muzzle fell open, his eyes full of stunned bewilderment. She merely looked down upon him and gave a twisted smirk. Her hands found their way to his throbbing cock, and she wasted no time applying the submission hold.

The fox's tongue lolled as she slowly stroked him off, ears pinning back in his heady state. He didn't struggle against her hold. He had no reason to.

His crimson maleness swelled, his hips twitching with her slow sensual motion. She worked him over, drawing his arousal to new heights, feeding off the energy of the moment as she kept him pinned to the mat. She took advantage of his weakness with passionate vigor, but it wasn't enough.

Dailieli released his legs and went in for the finishing move. She had never tasted dog cock before. There was even a time when she would've found the act distasteful. But she found herself spurred on, almost eager to indulge. She didn't fight the urge.

It was a simple act really, something she had watched other slaves perform on Sulrano many a time. The lioness parted her lips and slowly wrapped her muzzle around the tapered tip of his malehood, eliciting a reckless groan from Ketalo.

He instinctively bucked his hips, burying himself into her maw. Fighting to stay in control, she stroked her rough feline tongue across his sensitive flesh, drawing out the motion deliberately, feeling his body react as his enraptured vocalizations spurred her on. The fox tasted... different, a good kind of different. This was the easiest submission hold she had ever applied.

She cupped and fondled his heavy balls, feeling his knot swell in her bobbing muzzle. It wasn't long before she sensed him getting close. She could feel the anticipation build. The fox was in the palm of her hand, right where she wanted him.

Just as his knotted length became too much, she pulled back, letting his cock spill from her maw. She left Ketalo poised on the very cusp of release, body spread eagle on the canvas, his expression twisted in tortured anguish. The fox's arousal throbbed angrily.

"I think round two goes to me," Dailieli spoke simply, taking pleasure in his disheveled state. She got to her paws and waited patiently.

It took Ketalo roughly a minute to gather himself enough to do the same. When he managed to face her once more, the vulpine was anything but the keen fighter she had first met. "That... wasn't a Calo hold."

He was panting arduously. They both were. Even so, Dailieli managed to keep her outward composure. "No. That is my own special technique."

"I see..."

They squared off again, ready for the next bout. It wasn't even a contest.

The lioness wasted no time meeting her opponent. He put up a weak defense, letting her push him back against the nearest turnbuckle where she pinned him against the pads.

Her body ground up against him as she buried her head in the thick fur of his shoulder, inhaling deeply to fill her nose with his scent. His throbbing erection glanced against her inner thigh, oh so very close. It was time to end this.

A grab to the scruff of his neck drug Ketalo off the turnbuckle. When she got to the center of the ring, she casually tossed him down onto the mat on his back. It was enthralling, having him completely at her mercy like this. She reveled in every moment of it.

He was too stunned to do anything but look up as she straddled his waist, the lioness staring him down with a seductive look. Her heart pounded in her chest as she reached down and took hold of his length.

Slick invigorating heat overtook her as his tip gently parted her sopping folds. She exhaled, taking him slowly, ever so slowly, into her sex, basking in the wonderful sensation of being filled by his cock.

Her hips met his own, and they both groaned together, caught up in the moment. Ketalo watched her with spellbound interest through clouded eyes, his muzzle hanging open. He didn't fight, letting her maintain control.

Her hips moved once more, drawing his malehood from her almost fully, before she pushed back down, mashing her haunches against him purposely. She was emboldened by Ketalo as he reached up to fondle her supple breasts, massaging and kneading gently, rousing her perk nipples into beautiful hardness.

His low playful growl teased her ears, encouraging her as she built up a rhythm. Their hips met in powerful thrusts, the lioness riding his cock in a passionate fervor. The feeling of taking his wonderful thickness so fully and zealously was unlike anything she had ever experienced before. She wanted more...

Ketalo obliged, meeting her downward plunges with a quick thrust of his hips, burying himself even deeper within the lioness. His growling grew more pronounced, more untamed. His knot began to swell, warning of the impending tie to come.

Breasts bouncing, teeth clenched tight, Dailieli fought to stay in control. In that moment, the fox's knot became too much, popping rudely into her sex one last desperate time, locking the mating pair together.

The unseen peak that had fast approached suddenly overtook her in a rush of pure release. She cried out, overcome by the carnal liberation, leaning down to embrace Ketalo as she rode out the beginnings of her wondrous climax.

The fox though, wasn't done. With a possessive growl, he rolled both of them over to pin Dailieli to the canvas, thrusting his haunches against her shuddering body with reckless abandon, striving to join her in the throes of apex.

His passion pushed her high to new levels, drawing the pleasure out, until at last his ears pinned and his balls tightened in one last desperate thrust.

The fox buried his head in her ear and murred with unadulterated delight as he hilted himself. His knotted length twitched with a powerful spurt of cum, coating her fiery sex so perfectly, bringing their mating to an exhilarating finale.

He continued to hump weakly against her, emptying his balls, filling the lioness with his seed. They savored the pinnacle of their coupling together, caught up in it, unable to escape, not wanting to.

The submission hold had been performed flawlessly.

Some infinitesimal moment later, the apex gradually faded away, and Dailieli came down from her release. Much to her surprise, Ketalo rolled them back over so that she could rest atop him.

They panted together, basking in the afterglow, unable or unwilling to find words. The lioness closed her eyes and simply enjoyed the pleasant warmth of Ketalo, and the wonderful sensation of his knotted length still lodged within her. Dogs certainly had that going for them.

"I think... we can call that a tie."

Dailieli peeled open an eye to regard Ketalo, who gave her an exhausted grin. "I suppose we can."

"I've never had a match like that before. You are something special."

"I just played the situation to my favor."

He gave a short laugh. "I guess you did. Can't find fault with that."

"So, who is this mysterious master that taught you? You never did mention a name."

"I thought you'd already figured that out." When she cocked an eyebrow at him, he flashed his fangs impishly. "I guess she never told you. You have already met her as it turns out."

"Euytha?

"The very same. She may be an old cat, but she can dance around me in the ring all the same."

"I never would've imagined."

"You'd be surprised what she is capable of." They lapsed into silence for a moment, until Ketalo spoke once more. "You definitely are a worthy fighter. Euytha was right to pick you."

Dailieli looked over toward the nearby door, where Euytha herself stood silently out of sight to the fox, a smile playing her feline muzzle. With a subtle nod of approval, the elder lioness turned and left the two of them in the ring. How long she had been standing there was anyone's guess.

Dailieli looked down to Ketalo once more, meeting the fox's expectant regard. She drew a circle in his chest fur with a dulled claw. "I suppose she was."