Chapter 1: Introduction
Diana clacked her stiletto heels against the linoleum as she headed back to her office, after-lunch coffee order in hand. Coffee, right. Some days she thought her biggest superhero accomplishment might be single-handedly preventing a coffee shortage at the office.
Her friends always said, "Diana, living here like a mortal must be so hard for you." They didn't quite understand. This was the way she wished to live—most of the time, anyway.
Working at this office amongst her mortal peers allowed her to truly connect with people, to understand their desires, their fears, and their hopes. It gave her a sense of purpose beyond the clamoring political unrest the world so often faced.
As she entered her office, two cups in hand, she noticed Madam Ling, her mysterious acquaintance, standing elegantly by the window.
"Good afternoon," Diana greeted her. "I hope you enjoyed your lunch."
Madam Ling gave a cryptic smirk. "My lunch was adequate.
But, it is you who I'm interested in, Diana." Madam Ling paced around Diana's modest office, running her fingers along the spotless glass walls. Something in her eyes—a spark that was both captivating and unsettling—gave Diana pause.
"What do you mean?" Diana asked, trying not to let her curiosity overwhelm her.
A sly smile spread across Madam Ling's lips. "I merely want to see if there's more to you than these mundane offices and paperwork." She took a single step closer.
"Let me show you something—a glimpse at your life's potential."
In the blink of an eye, a glass case appeared, shimmering in the afternoon light. Reaching into it, Madam Ling retrieved a bracelet, a smaller, less elaborate version of Diana's own magical bracers.
"You should put this on," she urged, her voice husky and her eyes glinting with mischief. Power surged from the bracelet. The moment Diana touched it, images of servitude flooded her mind—and a strange compulsion pulled at her willpower.
She wanted to obey the next woman who gave her an order.
"Diana, dearest, tell me: do you feel different?" Madam Ling's smirk stretched ear-to-ear, a sense of victory written all over her face.
Diana's mind reeled, torn between her natural inclination to resist and the powerful allure of obedience. To her surprise, she nodded. "I—I do."
"Splendid." Madam Ling snapped her fingers, wrapping up the shimmering case disappear as quickly as it appeared.
"I'm glad to see my little spell has taken root."
Diana's thoughts spun, trying to comprehend her rapidly changing reality. She was now bound to the will of any woman who commanded her.
But, for the time being, she had to remain focused on the case at hand—a stolen, ancient artifact smuggled through customs. "So, I'm yours to command, am I?" Diana asked, projecting confidence she did not quite feel.
Madam Ling chuckled. "I do indeed possess the power to control you until the sunset tomorrow.
I suggest you seize this opportunity to embrace submission," Madam Ling murmured, circling Diana in her opulent office.
The notion of serving as someone's submissive only added more pieces to the puzzle that was her new life. Diana couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement from the challenge.
"Very well," Diana agreed, her voice steady, almost eager. Madam Ling left and a few minutes later Etta Candy walked in.
Diana's colleague and former friend, Etta hadn't spoken to her since Diana's well-intentioned comment about Etta's diet had caused unwanted tension.
"Diana, finally," Etta huffed, setting her bulging handbag on Diana's desk rather forcefully. "I've got a quick errand for you."
Diana's chest felt tight, but she responded amicably. "Sure, Etta, what do you need help with?"
"Well Diana my feet are sore and sweaty I think it is the nylon. Why don't you be a dear and rub them for me." Etta motioned to her tights-covered feet, challenging Diana with her gaze.
Diana hesitated. She had joked about being a personal assistant, but she never in her wildest thoughts expected to be at Etta's beck and call—or foot. But with Madam Ling's spell binding her, she pushed her embarrassment aside and nodded.
"Of course, Etta, let me grab a towel and some lotion. Just a moment," Diana murmured, making her way to the corner of her office where she kept such necessities. "No need Diana you can usee that disrespectful mouth of yours" Etta snapped, causing Diana to swallow the remnants of her pride. She grabbed the nearest package of wet wipes and returned to Etta's side, kneeling in front of her.
Kneeling was a new but not unpleasant sensation. A slow, simmering warmth flowed through her as she rubbed Etta's feet gingerly.
She knew that Etta would never dare take advantage, but Madam Ling had given Diana a taste of a curiosity she'd kept at bay for far too long.
"I-is this really what you want, Etta?" Diana whispered, swallowing against the lump in her throat as she looked up at her friend.
Etta, obviously surprised by Diana's sudden submissive attitude, fidgeted in her seat, averting her gaze. "D-Diana, I..." she hesitated, before letting out a shaky sigh. "Madam Ling had told me that you might serve me today. But I never imagined—well, this is quite unexpected. Just ... continue.
Diana felt a tingling sense of intrigue and excitement; she felt alive in a way not even fighting gods on the battlefield could match. Diana gazed at Etta with admiration. In this moment, she saw beyond Etta's usual jovial façade: she was vulnerable, unsure, and, somehow, it made Diana love her more.
"You don't have to be shy, Etta. Just let me know what you desire." Diana's voice barely above a whisper.
Etta gulped.