Dog Chain

Collins shook his head.

In front of him was a proud, high-spirited woman, whose standards were so high that even the principal’s high-ranking magician grandson couldn’t catch her eye.

Yet here she was, actively starting a conversation with him, and even taking the initiative to propose a marriage contract.

The courage and determination it took were beyond what outsiders could comprehend.

But that courage had now been insulted by Collins’ light excuse.

Collins shrank back slightly in embarrassment.

His mouth made a few meaningless syllables, then he exhaled a long breath and fell silent.

Ileana turned her head away as well.

She should have been angry, maybe furious, or even stormed out.

But she was no longer a child—not for a long time.

Emotions no longer overwhelmed reason.

“So? Not talking anymore? Is it because you think I’m not pretty enough to be your wife?”

Collins stared at Ileana’s stunningly beautiful face.

She was without a doubt the second most beautiful girl in the entire school.

Among humans, she was considered top-tier.

Countless men were willing to pay a high price just to see her.

Rumor had it that a tissue Ileana once used to wipe her sweat had sold for a price equivalent to a first-year student’s semester tuition.

With all the evidence and gossip, Ileana’s allure was undeniably real.

Of all the people Collins could call unattractive, she was certainly not one of them.

But Collins still couldn’t reply—he could only shake his head.

“If it’s not that, then it must mean the terms I offered you… still aren’t enough?”

Ileana narrowed her eyes.

Like a cat eyeing a mouse.

Like a hunter locking onto prey.

A hint of bloody killing intent spread into the air.

Collins began to shake his leg uncomfortably.

That kind of nervous tic shouldn’t appear on a highly educated magic elite like him.

But whenever he felt intense pressure, he couldn’t help it—his heel would rise, then fall.

Over and over, like a reflex.

Ileana was formidable.

Though not the top student in any particular department, she was stronger in combat than any of them.

Not because her magic was more profound, but because she was exceptionally good at fighting.

In the modern world, most magic students weren’t skilled fighters.

Society was too peaceful now.

Gone were the days when people fought to the death over a piece of bread.

That peace had dulled the fiery spirit of most students.

Nowadays, arguments were solved with words, not fists.

Collins was exactly that kind of magic student—bad at fighting.

He was keenly aware that he didn’t stand a chance against this woman.

If they really fought, all he could do was cover his head and run.

Nothing he could do would work against her in a straight fight.

The strong and the weak—the clearest symbol of hierarchy.

The moment Ileana appeared before him, Collins had already placed himself in the weaker position.

Under the pressure of power, Collins finally opened his mouth.

“I don’t want to get married.”

Ileana’s gentle gaze reflected Collins’ face.

She had looked at him like this more than once before.

And each time, he would still manage to surprise her.

Sometimes, she couldn’t help thinking—

If I were with this guy, maybe… I wouldn’t feel so lonely anymore.

“Why?”

“You think marrying me is just some kind of deal?”

“Relax. Once I become your wife, I’ll fulfill all my duties.”

“Whatever you want to do with my body, I’ll let you.”

“And then what?”

“You keep me like a pet, hang a leash around my neck?”

“Wait for you to come home and bark a few times, hoping you’ll toss me some meat when you’re happy, or kick me aside when you’re not?”

Collins looked at Ileana seriously.

“I’m a pretty easygoing guy, but I still have some pride.”

Ileana’s half-closed eyes opened wider.

But the killing intent only grew stronger.

It seeped into his bones, crushing Collins’ expression into stone.

“My dear cousin, you don’t seem to understand what it means to be my pet.”

“When I put a collar on your neck, you’ll have the privilege of being close to me.”

“Of possessing me.”

“Of loving and cherishing me.”

“You won’t need to work for a pathetic little salary—because I can provide for everything you need.”

“All you have to do is make me happy.”

“And I’ll give you everything.”

“Except dignity?”

Collins’ tone made Ileana laugh.

“Dignity? And what can that buy?”

“You don’t know how many people want to be my pet.”

“If I just take off my shoes and wave my leg, how many men would crawl over on their knees?”

“And yet I’ve rejected all those boring, useless losers… and chosen you to kneel before me and kiss my feet.”

“My adorable cousin—you should feel honored.”

The sharpness in Ileana’s eyes could no longer be contained.

She pressed her aura against Collins’ neck like a blade.

A chilling breath crawled down from his collar to his whole body.

Collins felt short of breath.

He knew he didn’t like this feeling.

From the beginning, he had no good opinion of this terrifyingly beautiful, dominating woman.

They were simply not the same kind of people.

Determined, Collins opened his mouth.

“Fine. I agree.”

Ileana finally smiled with joy.

But it was the composed joy of a queen receiving an expected answer to her command.

Confident.

Unsurprised.

“On one condition.”

“You kneel down like a dog and crawl over to give me a blowjob—then I’ll agree to your proposal.”

Her smile froze.

The regal smile of a ruler turned to an icy sculpture.

The whole room dropped into the chill of winter.

Air like blades.

Slicing flesh and bone.

Breathing felt like cutting his own organs.

Collins spoke proudly to Ileana.

“Didn’t you say I have the right to do whatever I want with your body?”

“Well then—get over here.”

“Kneel.”

“I want to f*** you.”

Ileana’s furious fist was his answer.

That day, Collins called in sick at school for the first time.