JaZelle exhaled as the flesh parted yet again beneath her precision sharp dagger. With a vague interest, she watched the blood well and flow from the shallow cut. The warrior closed her eyes focusing on the sting that waned into a throb.

Solitude in the bell tower afforded the High Priestess the luxury of privacy. Momentarily observing the body fluid cooling against her skin, JaZelle once again tried to relax into her pain. She was getting close and for the first time in weeks she almost felt a kind of peace within. So tuned into her uncoiling inner turmoil, the brunette never noticed when she was no longer alone.

"Taking liberties with my property aren't you, girl?"

The look of panic on JaZelle's face would have been comical if it hadn't been for her genuine distress.

Ares walked over stopping her from covering up the series of fresh cuts adorning her hip. Eyes questioning, He traced the path they took across her flesh. Unable to meet the intent gaze, JaZelle fixed her eyes on the wall over Ares' shoulder. The firm grip on her chin made avoiding her Master's unwavering look impossible.

"Why, little one?" He asked softly.

The answers she didn't have words for stuck in her throat.

"I don't know how to explain.", the High Priestess floundered helplessly. " Sometimes I ... I just need." She looked down at the knife dangling from a limp hand. "Sometimes it gets to be too much. I feel like I'm losing myself.", she continued in a whisper.

"And you need the pain to bring you back?" Ares asked fingering the soft curls of her hair.

"Yes." she answered twisting the blade back and forth aimlessly. " before it gets so bad I can't feel anything." Her voice was barely above a whisper. She didn't realize tears were falling until Ares kissed them away.

Gathering the woman in His arms, the God of War whisked them into the privacy of His chambers. JaZelle stood naked, manacled to a lone standing post.

"Do you need this, pet?" Ares questioned, pacing off, positioning Himself.

"Yes, Master."

Uncoiling the length of leather, Ares watched one of His favored as she stood trembling against the pillory. The whip split the air several seconds before landing on the Priestess' shoulder. In quick succession another crack rent the distance between Ares and JaZelle laying a searing stripe across the opposite shoulder. Knowing the threshold and how much she could take, He continued until she could no longer keep silent beyond a heart wrenching sob.

JaZelle couldn't control the scream that escaped, nor did she want to. The pain bloomed red behind closed eyelids and she sank into it. Welcomed it. Cherished it. She was unaware that at some time the blows ceased falling on her vulnerable skin. Several stripes crossed her shoulders and back, painful enough to hurt but not disfigure permanently. The rough scrape of a tongue along the length of each welt reawakened the initial sear of pain before rolling into a hot tingle between her tawny thighs.

Gently releasing the woman from her bonds, Ares carried her to His bed where He lay with her. Stroking, caressing, kissing, loving. Every touch intended to keep her floating and free from herself. Writhing against her Lord, JaZelle twisted in a combination of ecstasy and agony leaving her wrung out physically and emotionally.

"My beautiful girl." He murmured in soothing tones kissing the smooth planes of her stomach.

"Thank you, Milord." the Priestess effused once capable of speech. The God of War placed a finger over her lips.

"Hush now, beloved. You are mine and I love you."

Still riding the wave of bliss, JaZelle complied while Ares fingered the wounds she had created on herself.

"What are your duties to me, JaZelle?"

"I am yours, my Liege, body, heart and soul. I serve as you see fit."

"And mine to you?"

The woman looked at the dark God in confusion.

"I am yours. I serve you." She stated again.

"And in return?"

"I don't understand."

"In return, my pet, for your loyalty, devotion and service," each word punctuated with a kiss "I make certain all YOUR needs are met. That goes beyond food and shelter."

"But, Master..."

"ALL your needs."

A small motion and the five aligned cuts were healed. Gently He nudged her onto her side. A blunt finger passed over the reddened areas marring her back.

" I take care of my own."

"Please leave them, Milord."

"Next time, come to me. I'll help you find your way."

Nodding, the Priestess nuzzled into the haven of warmth surrounding her in the form of her Lord and Master feeling calm, safe and loved. "Yes, Master."

"And we'll deal with you damaging what belongs to Me later, girl!"