Guess B) Shibari, trying to sound certain

You square your shoulders as much as the restraints allow and project confidence you don't quite feel. "B. Shibari."

For a fraction of a second, Derek's smile falters. The audience holds its collective breath. Crystal's finger hovers uncertainly over the control panel, her glossy lips forming a confused little 'o.'

"Shibari," Derek repeats, drawing out the word as he consults his card. His eyes scan the text, then lift to meet yours with renewed predatory gleam. "Well, well. That's... actually correct. Shibari is indeed the Japanese rope bondage art our kinky friends enjoy."

The audience applauds, though you detect disappointment in some of the whoops. Crystal actually pouts, her inflated lower lip jutting out comically.

"Congratulations, Lexi," Derek announces, his voice carrying an edge of irritation beneath the professional veneer. "You've just earned your first ten thousand dollars. The board reflects your winnings now."

A digital display mounted above the stage flickers to life: $10,000.

"Don't get too comfortable though," Derek continues, his smile sharpening back to its usual cruelty. "That was beginner's luck, and we both know it. You're still locked in two restraints, still modified from your first mistake, and we've got eight more questions to go. The money doubles with each correct answer from here—twenty thousand for the next one—but so does the difficulty."

He produces a new card with theatrical flair, his tie perfectly straight now that the moment of uncertainty has passed.

"Question three, for twenty thousand dollars. Let's see how deep your knowledge really goes." His eyes glitter with malicious anticipation. "In leather subculture, what does the term 'puppy play' primarily involve? Is it A) Role-playing as canines with associated gear and behaviors, B) Training submissives using dog training techniques, or C) A specific type of impact play using leather implements?"

Behind him, Crystal has recovered from her disappointment and bounces eagerly on her platforms, clearly hoping this will be the question that breaks you. The shackles around your wrists and ankles feel heavier than before, a constant reminder of what's already been done to you—and what more awaits with each wrong answer.