"Hurt you?" Beatrix laughed softly, almost fondly. "That was never my intention, my pet. Besides, who else is there to teach you these valuable life lessons if not your loving mistress?" With those chilling words, she raised one of the canes high above her head, letting gravity draw it downward in a deadly arc towards its target.

Death master's world exploded in pure ecstasy as the cane whistled inches away from his trembling flesh. He had been certain this time would be different; that his pleading apologies had finally appeased her wrath. Yet here he stood, alive and quivering under her merciless gaze. A sinister smile crept across Beatrix's lips as she watched the confusion and relief battle within his eyes. Slowly, deliberately, she lowered both canes until they rested casually against the bedpost. "You will learn, Death Master," she whispered menacingly. "And when you finally understand what true obedience means… maybe, just maybe, I might find use for such a worthless servant as yourself." With a dismissive wave of her hand, she banished the canes back to whatever dark corner of existence they had come from. Unbidden, a delicate silver tray appeared atop the nightstand beside her, adorned with a single crystal goblet filled to overflowing with crimson liquid. "Drink," she ordered curtly.

The moment the cool liquid touched his tongue, Death Master felt a surge of energy coursing through his veins, replacing fatigue with renewed vigilance. It wasn't until later, much later, that he realized what he had consumed – not wine, but his mistress' own essence, infused with potent enchantments designed specifically for her most trusted minions. He felt reborn, invigorated beyond measure, ready to face any challenge she may present him with. And challenges were sure to follow, for disobeying Beatrix came at a steep price indeed. Still, for now, he savored this brief respite from her cruel attentions, basking in the knowledge that perhaps, just maybe, he had managed to earn some small measure of favor among her court of slaves.

Beatrix inclined her head slightly, barely acknowledging his gratitude. "Now, return to your duties," she commanded coolly, waving her slender finger imperiously. As always, Death Master scurried off like an obedient puppy, eager to prove himself worthy of another chance to serve his ruthless master.