Chapter 5

Discoveries and Punishments

A few months had passed since Galen's initiation, though these months were not without enjoyment. Today, Galen walked through the halls of the castle, feeling a little bit of boredom. He remembered after his initiation that Zarch explained the rules of the coven, all of them cuddling in Master Egad's bed after awakening from Galen's initiation: The rules were simple: they were not allowed to bring harm to master or one another. Though this wasn't a problem, seeing that the coven members all cared about master and each other greatly, and would not even consider such a thing. Also, they had to make sure to take care of themselves, in both appearance and health. This included bathing and working out regularly, as well as eating well and getting enough sleep. Also, Zarch explained the rule of sexual restraint, which was simple: Under no circumstances were the elite slaves allowed to pleasure their cocks, or each other's without permission under any circumstances. If any of the Elite Gallery had any sexual needs they needed fulfilled, such as their lust or urges becoming unbearable, be it one member or many, they needed to go to Master Egad and either get permission to relive themselves or each other, or let the Master take care of their needs. By a ratio of two out of three, the latter situation was the outcome most of the time, thought this wasn't a bad thing. After all, Master Egad knew just how to pleasure the slaves in his gallery to make them enjoy every moment and would even let them pair up with each other while doing so if they wanted.

Later, after Galen was once again untethered from the bed and after a group bath, Zarch also showed him more areas of the castle that he and the other elite slaves were allowed in: Some of these areas included a gym, a swimming pool, a game and rec room, and a few other nice amenities that they had access to, including a sauna and infirmary. Zarch also showed him the slave quarters of the Elite Gallery where Galen found out he had his own bed, along with the other elite slaves! All the beds had curtains that went around them that they could open and close if they desired. Master Egad had even set up each bed, dresser, and nightstand of each member with a theme that they would enjoy.

For example, Zarch's bed had some Victorian, medieval styles to it: The headboard and frame, made of sturdy pinewood, were colored stone gray, with rune symbols etched in that were colored red, which contrasted with the bedding and sheets. Zarch's nightstand and dresser were styled in the same way, with some tarot cards, a crystal ball, Ouija board, and rune stones sitting on the top of the nightstand, as well as a few purple crystals. A special adjustable lantern with a light-emitting crystal inside was on the nightstand as well.

Chaos' bed, dresser, and nightstand was adorned in a theme of a protective hunter of the supernatural, all made of timber wood, with beige-white sheets and light-gray colored bedding. His nightstand had several sacred amulets of protection strewn across it, as well as several books filled with cleansing spells and prayers from multiple faiths. Instead of a lamp, Chaos had a large candle on his nightstand set in a protective, supportive base, with a special, crystal-ended stick that he could use to light it up.

Hatred's bed, dresser, and nightstand literally screamed demonic punk-rocker/full-blown society rebel/total bad boy, colored black, with orange flame patters across them. His headboard had a right-side up pentagram inscribed at the top and center, colored red, with red and black bedding and sheets, decorated with red-and-white lightning patterns. As for his nightstand, aside from the orange lava lamp, it was covered with large, paper books that were called "magazines," mainly focusing on rock music, and thin shiny discs in cases, which Galen learned were Music Micro-Compact Discs, abbreviated as MCDs: A fairly new technology, one of many that had recently been introduced to Vhaldarian society by off-world entrepreneurs that were simply referred to as "Sky Folk," by most people. Hatred also had a device on his nightstand that could play the MCDs, complete with over-the-ear sound emitters called headphones. The MCD player even had a belt-attached shoulder satchel, so Hatred could walk about the castle and "rock out" to his tunes.

Amon's bed, dresser, and nightstand had a unique look that Galen didn't expect: They were all colored a shiny silver, almost appearing like metal, rather than wood. The sheets, despite being simple shades of black and gray, were made of satin with the bedding made of standard cloth. The blankets adorned patterns that reminded Galen of chivalrous knights of kingdoms he had traveled to. Amon's headboard had the image of the guardian phoenix from the dining hall painted on it at the top and center, with crossed broadswords behind it, surrounded by a red, blue, and black-patterned shield in a coat-of-arms. Amon explained to Galen that the image on his bed was an actual coat-of-arms that represented the entire Phoenix Coven, which was also displayed on the castle guard's armbands and shields.

Galen smiled, as he was shown his bed. The frame and headboard were made of fine oak, with cloth sheets and blankets that were gray. The bed also had a comforter that was made of golden fake fur, which made it look very warm and inviting. Next to the bed was his dresser and nightstand, also made of oak with an adjustable kerosene lantern on top of the nightstand, tethered down to make sure there were no unfortunate accidents if it tipped, similar to what was done with the candle on Chaos' nightstand. There were also a few hard-back books and several blank journals on the nightstand with a cup of pencils and pens. The pens, however, were designed to look more like writing quills. Galen smiled at the sight, feeling his heart warmed by master's choice of décor. Egad seemed to know more about him that he knew himself at times...

Galen was a little confused though, when he saw several more vacant beds in the slave quarters that were bare and plain. Zarch, noticing this, said those were for new members if Master Egad found anyone he would consider adding into the coven, and would be decorated in their style once they were initiated.

While they were walking around the castle showing Galen around, Zarch also pointed out a certain room in the dungeon that none of the slaves were allowed in unless told, period. No matter what their status in the coven was. Zarch and the others in the gallery made an emphasis for Galen that no one except Master Egad was allowed in that room unless told otherwise.

Galen questioned Zarch on why no one was allowed in that room, but Zarch just doubled down with a serious look, saying that whatever was in there was the master's business unless they were told otherwise. Hatred also added in some reinforcing on the rule, saying he had sneaked a peek into the room on one occasion only for Master Egad to catch him doing so. Though he would not divulge what he saw within and made it clear that he never would. Hatred also said that he was punished for it as well, as after being caught, he was chained up in the dungeon and that master personally whipped his balls hard with a riding crop! Even though master had him sent to the infirmary after it was over to heal any damage that was done, Hatred still remembered master's anger, as well as the pain from that punishment. Hatred made it clear he did not intend to let himself or anyone else in the coven repeat his mistake.

Even Chaos was very stern on the rules regarding the "Forbidden Room" as he called it, telling Galen to forget about it entirely and snuff out any flames of curiosity that were brewing in his mind. Chaos finished the warning firmly with an index finger of authority, "Don't get any ideas about that room! If master says it is off limits, it is off limits for a reason! Trust me, Galen... This warning is for your own good!"

Despite the months that had passed since then, the memory was still fresh. Now, Galen wandered around the castle after lunch, wondering what he could do for some spicy entertainment. He also still had the Forbidden Room on his mind, as every time he walked past it, he swore he could hear muffled moaning and erotic groans from within, along with clinking chains as if there were people imprisoned behind the door.

Galen would also occasionally see Master Egad step into the room when he would be walking by, dressed in his black dungeon attire. That would be normal most of the time, except master also would be carrying a bag of aphrodisiac potions and various sex toys in in his hand, along with a variety of dominant bondage devices, such as light whips and riding crops as well. The lion also would hear the muffled groaning and moans get noticeably louder while master was in the room, along with the sound of wet, slapping flesh and the occasional but rare cracking whip.

Finally, on this day Galen could not ignore the building curiosity anymore, hearing the loud muffled moans as he walked by the door once more. He watched from a distance as master stepped out of the room once again. Galen then walked off and went up to the slave quarters, starting to think on how he could get into the Forbidden Room without anyone noticing as he sat on his bed in a crossed-leg meditating position, his eyes closed in deep thought.

After a few hours of brainstorming, planning, thinking and reflection, he had come up with a plan, and was about to put it into action when he felt something wet and moist slide up his back! Galen let out a gasp, opening his eyes with surprise at the sudden sensation as his back arched on instinct! He then heard Hatred let out a playful chuckle, his head near Galen's ear.

"Gotcha~!" He said in a singsong voice before running off with a playful laugh out of the slave quarters so Galen could not catch him.

Galen let out a grumble of mild, yet brotherly irritation at Hatred's lewd prank. At any other time if anyone else had done that, Galen would have jumped up and chased them down with some payback on his mind. But, since Hatred was his coven brother, he could not bring any injury harm to him or anyone else in the coven. That was against the rules. Though it didn't mean Galen could not return the prank, as there were other creative ways of payback. He had chased down Hatred after he had licked him like that a few weeks before, catching him before he could get out of the quarters and gently pinned the demon-wolf underneath him, making sure he didn't cause any injury. Then he tickled Hatred with vigor, hearing the wolf laugh hysterically and telling him "say uncle," and Hatred eventually relented with a cheesy smile.

Right now, Galen decided to let the prank go as he slid off the bed, standing up. He re-focused on what he planned to do: Get into the Forbidden Room. He waited until after dinner that night when everyone else was tired and winding down. He double-checked to make sure all of the other elite slaves were occupied: Amon was busy in the castle's data center, Chaos was in the bath house, Hatred was doing some weight workouts in the gym, and Zarch was going over some meal prep options with the chefs in the kitchen, making a grocery list for the procurement couriers. Galen smiled, knowing now was his best opportunity.

Galen walked through the castle causally, making sure to look normal and unassuming. In no time, he was standing outside the door to the Forbidden Room, confident that he hadn't been suspected of anything. He took one final look around to make sure no one else was there, listening carefully for any telltale signs. Once he was confident there was no one else around, he placed one hand on the handle of the door. He hesitated for a moment, a feeling of thrill going through him. Was this really worth it? He wondered for a moment. Then he brushed the thought aside. If he didn't do this now, he would never know what was in here and it would drive him nuts. So, with a swift, yet quiet action, he opened the door and stepped in, closing the door behind him.

The inside of the Forbidden Room was very large, and very dark. The only reason Galen was able to see was thanks to his lion characteristics, as he had natural night vision. That, and there were a few small, dimly lit lanterns in the room as well. Galen looked around, seeing a lot of chains and cuffs in the room, hanging from the ceiling! There were also bed racks in the room, fitted with restraints that ranged from thick belts to solid cuffs welded to the racks. There was also a large variety of whips and crops, hanging on racks built into the walls, as well as many large shelves, filled and lined to the brim with varying sex toys! The toys ranged from masturbation sleeves, dildos, vibrators, milkers, automatic strokers, and everything else in between, all varying in size. Galen couldn't help but blush as he looked around the room, lewd thoughts popping into his head.

That's when he heard the muffled moans again. Galen looked over to the far end of the room, where it was very dark. He could make out two large, burly individuals, blindfolded and chained to the wall. Galen was unable to see them clearly due to the intense darkness. Galen carefully took one of the lanterns and walked over.

The scene became clearer as Galen got closer, the dim light allowing him to see more. The two individuals, a tiger and a horse from what he could see, were on their knees, squirming, completely naked and bound by very thick chains attached to manacles around their wrist and ankles. Galen stepped closer, seeing more details. Their muscular, powerful bodies were also wrapped in more chains, preventing them from moving much at all. They were not only blindfolded, either: both of their mouths had ball gags in them, with straps going around their heads so they couldn't spit them out. Galen also saw that both had automatic strokers engulfing their cocks, and they were on an automatic setting! The two moaned out continuously, their minds clearly covered in a thick, lusty haze.

Galen continued to slowly walk forward, wondering why these two were being kept here. Were they being punished for something they did? If so, then why did master go to such lengths? He didn't recognize either as members of the coven, as he had not seen anyone like these two anywhere in the castle...

But as Galen got within arms distance, he then saw why he had not seen these two anywhere in the castle! They were not part of the coven at all! Galen looked on in shock, seeing the details of the duo as clear as day: The horse was not a horse at all, but a unicorn! He had white fur on his body, along with a long, wild-looking blue mane, goatee, and tail. The tiger had a short, black mane that was long in the back, braided into a topknot, with white facial fur around his maw that looked like a short beard! The white fur went all down his neck and torso to his crotch, even extending slightly along his inner thighs! He also had usual coloring and markings of a tiger: orange fur with black stripes. Not only that, but their physique was almost an exact mirror of Galen's!

Galen suddenly recoiled in horror, gripping the lamp's handle tightly as he realized who these two individuals were: His friends from Mel'Andrea, Uniko Miwel, and Zhal Sha-Len! Questions started racing through Galen's mind. What were they doing here? Why were they chained up like this? What was going on?!

"Just what do you think are you doing in here?" A foreign voice said with disdain, echoing through the room. Galen quickly turned around and saw a couple guards, along with another new face standing behind him: A white-colored fennec with black markings on his fur around his eyes, his body covered in tribal-like markings of the same color. The fennec's eyes, however, were colored yellow and turquoise blue, the irises changing color halfway. The expression on the fennec's face showed great displeasure and irritation.

"Someone's been very bad." The fennec spoke, his eyes suddenly glowing red! Galen then felt his body stiffen up and was unable to move! All he could do was stare into the fennec's glowing red eyes with intense fear.

"I know you have been told the rules: You know that none of the slaves are allowed in here, Galen." The fennec pointed out, crossing his arms while leering the lion. "There will be consequences, as Master will hear about this."

# # #

Galen stood chained up in a dungeon cell, naked and waiting for what was to come from his intrusion into the Forbidden Room. He had been quickly dragged away by the guards after being discovered by the white fennec. Galen shivered a bit, remembering the fennec's frightening and paralyzing gaze.

His fear only went up further when he saw Master Egad enter the cell in his dungeon attire with a riding crop in his hand. Master's face expressed disappointment and irritation as he looked into Galen's eyes.

"Zarch and the others told you the rules about that room, did they not?" Egad asked, his voice firm but not raised.

Galen immediately felt ashamed. "...Yes, master. They did."

"So, why did not heed their warnings and obey that rule?" Egad asked, the tone and volume in his voice unchanged as he proceeded to scold the lion. "Galen, the castle's rules are in place for a reason. Some may say that rules are made to be broken, but not mine. The rules of the coven are in place for everyone's well-being. That room you were in is meant for breaking in new slaves, and the two you saw in there are going to be new members of the Elite Gallery. Galen, do you understand the severity of what you did by breaking that rule and stepping into that room?"

"...Yes, Master." Galen answered, sadness and shame in his voice. "I am sorry for my disobedience, and will accept my punishment... But I don't understand why you didn't tell me. Uniko and Zhal are dear friends of mine..."

Egad's face softened a bit, as he and Galen looked into each other's eyes. Then, Master started to explain, his voice kind yet stern.

"A few weeks after you were broken in and pledged your servitude, I found Uniko and Zhal wandering around a few miles away from the castle, calling out your name. The two were in bad shape: They were very dirty, low on camping supplies and food. They were looking for you, Galen, and I understand why. Though that is only the beginning of what I saw. While they were searching for you, tensions between them were very high. I witnessed both argue a lot from a distance, and they even fought with each other a few times, the arguments coming down to physical blows. I observed them for a few days and realized that they would eventually go crazy while they were searching for you, only ending up empty-handed in the end. This disheartened me, as I know how dear they are to you. I also could not let them go mad and turn on each other. Therefore, there was only one option: Capture them, break them in, and induct them into the coven. I can see if you are angry, hurt, and upset by this, but you must understand, Galen: My options were limited, and I made the best call I could."

Galen, though he did feel upset, nodded once Master had finished his explanation, understanding his logic. "I understand, master... This won't happen again, and I will accept my punishment willingly." The lion said, his eyes now filled with shame and sorrow.

Egad looked up into Galen's eyes, a twinkle of regret and pain showing. "...I am glad you understand what you did, Galen. I wish there were an easier way to do this... But I must go through with your punishment, as an example must be set for the coven every time rules are broken." Egad then stepped in front of Galen, raising the riding crop, the tip hovering over Galen's cock and balls. "You will receive fifteen lashes on your glands for your act of disobedience, then you will be taken to the infirmary to heal any damage. Are you ready for your punishment?"

Galen nodded, closing his eyes tightly as he braced himself the best he could. "...I am ready, Master." He said before clenching his jaw shut.

Egad then gripped the riding crop with a heavy heart. "...Just remember, this hurts me just as much as it hurts you, if not more." The fox spoke with a sad tone.

With that Egad raised the riding crop high up above his head before bringing it down hard, and swiftly upon Galen's cock!

Smack!

Galen's body jumped as a loud yelped escaped his mouth. Before his body could adjust, he saw his master raise it back up again and bring the crop down upon his balls!

_ Smack!_

"AHH!" Galen cried out again as his sensitive orbs received the second strike, pain flaring through his groin.

Smack! Smack!

Egad continued to strike Galen's sensitive glands, steadily shortening the time between hits. Egad was relentless in his punishment as he whipped Galen's private parts, swinging the riding crop hard as it struck. Galen started letting out sobs of pain, throwing his head back as his body convulsed from the stinging sensation that shot through him. Egad did his best to tune out Galen's screams of pain, quickly counting down the number of lashes. The fox stopped when they numbered up to fifteen, as he said he would. By that point, Galen's body was trembling continuously in pain. Tears fell from Galen's eyes, as the lion sobbed, crying from the stinging sensation that now went across his glands.

Egad then called for Amon and the guards, who were waiting outside the cell. They stepped into cell, at master and Galen's side in a heartbeat. Master Egad motioned to Galen with a sad look, as no words needed to be said. Amon and the guards swiftly disconnected Galen's manacles from the chains, and quickly carried him off to the infirmary to take care of any injuries. Egad then felt free to let his emotions quietly wage their battle, tears falling from his eyes from what he had to do...