Interrogation by Design, Clues in the Dust

At first, Marvelous Madam felt as though she were lying comfortably in hot water. Warmth welled up from deep within her senses, leaving her mind hazy. In that pleasure, it seemed she could let everything go.

But just as she felt wave after wave cresting, pain struck. It rose from the depths of her body and soul, like snake venom seeping into her blood.

From heaven to the abyss was but a hair's breadth.

She arched her back in agony. The serpentine markings on it seemed to come alive.

Su Che reached out and gently stroked Marvelous Madam, starting at her neck and moving down.

"Ah..."

Marvelous Madam moaned and turned toward Su Che's cold hand, her whole body struggling. The pain spreading from her very marrow was more terrifying than anything she had ever experienced.

"It hurts, doesn't it? Be good, and everything will be fine."

Warmth rose in waves from deep within her heart, and Marvelous Madam found herself enveloped once more in that sea of comfort.

Her body, mind, and every sense sank into it, feeling the bliss roll over her like an endless tide.

Su Che guided it carefully.

The Moon Malefic Serpent-Shadow Seal used magical power to tug at its victim's body and mind. A single thought could bring about endless changes; the Black Emperor Lineage used it to bind and command ghosts and spirits.

If Third Young Master Su wished, Marvelous Madam could be plunged into boiling oil, cut to pieces by a thousand blades, or subjected to any number of other torments.

But after trying it once, Su Che had no desire to continue.

Pain was a powerful force, yet even the fiercest pain had to give way before pleasure.

Rather than make Marvelous Madam fear the pain he could inflict, he would