Title: Velvet Masks The air in L’Ombre hung thick with incense and anticipation, the dim glow of crimson candles casting shadows across the marble floor. Rose slipped through the crowd, her golden hair cascading over one shoulder, a golden Venetian mask secured beneath her chin. At 23, she’d mastered the art of command, her reputation as a femdom queen whispered about in circles far beyond this underground club. Tonight, she wore a scarlet corset that hugged her curves like a second skin, its lace edging brushing against the swell of her breasts. Submissives—men and women alike—glanced her way, their own masks hiding eagerness, reverence, or desire to be broken. She craved the latter. A circle had formed near the far wall, silken ropes coiled like serpents on a pedestal. Rose stepped forward, her stiletto heels clicking authority. “Kneel,” she murmured, her voice low, honey laced with steel. Three figures obeyed instantly—a lean man in a tails mask, a woman with horns, and a boy whose trembling hands betrayed his inexperience. She ran her fingers through the boy’s hair, her nails glinting. “You’ll watch. Learn.” To the others, she smirked. “Touch her first. Make her beg.” The man and woman traded a look, then closed the distance. Their hands found the boy’s shoulders, their touches slow, lingering. Rose leaned in, her breath warm against his ear. “Tell me how much you want their fingers. Then tell me how much you want me.” The boy’s gasp was music. “Please… let them—” “Slower,” Rose purred, circling him like a panther. She tugged the woman’s mask loose, trailing her thumb over the submissive’s lips. “You’ll make him scream, won’t you?” The trio moved with a rhythm only Rose dictated, their hands roaming, mouths finding sensitive spots. The boy’s breath hitched, his spine arching as he surrendered. Rose knelt behind him, her chest pressing into his back, and whispered, “Come for them. Come for me.” When his cry shattered the air, she stood, a slow smile curving her lips. The room buzzed with the aftermath, but she was already leaving, her golden hair catching the light as she vanished into the labyrinth of shadows—untouchable, insatiable, the queen they’d never forget. (Word count: 398)