Reach for the brochure and read it.

You fish the brochure from your back pocket. It's glossy, expensive stock, the kind of paper stock that makes you feel like you're reading a menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant. The cover reads: "PATRUDA ISLAND: A GUIDE FOR NEW OWNERS — Your Journey Begins Here!" Below that, a smiling cartoon palm tree gives a thumbs up. You stare at the palm tree much longer than necessary. Then you open the brochure.

"Welcome to Patruda!" the first page begins. "You are now the proud owner of registered female property. Like all new owners, you may have questions. Don't worry — we've answered the most common ones below!"

You sit on the edge of the four-poster bed and read.

"Q: My property was restrained at customs. When can I remove her restraints?

A: Never! Just kidding. You may modify or remove restraints at any time within your private suite. However, all female property must wear a collar and be secured to their owner or a fixed tether point when in public spaces. Unsecured property may be legally claimed by any male resident or visitor. See Section 4: The Claiming Protocol."

Your stomach drops. You glance at Rosaria, still standing by the bed, her wrists free but her collar firmly in place. She's watching you read, her dark eyes intense.

You turn the page.

"Q: My property is wearing a standard-issue chastity belt. How do I remove it?

A: The Patruda Standard Chastity Belt™ is controlled via the Owner's Companion App, available on your smartphone. Simply open the app, select 'Belt Management,' and choose 'Release.' Belt features include adjustable vibration settings (1-10), remote stimulation scheduling, and a 'Surprise Me' mode for adventurous owners!

Note: If your phone is undergoing security screening, the belt will remain locked until the app is accessed. "

You close your eyes. Your phone is confiscated. Until tomorrow.

Rosaria makes a sound — a long, shuddering exhale through her nose — and you watch her thighs press together, her hips rolling in a slow, involuntary rhythm. She squeezes her eyes shut and her fingers curl into fists at her sides.

You keep reading, faster now.

"Q: What happens if I don't restrain my property in public?

A: See Section 4: The Claiming Protocol. Any uncollared woman, or any collared woman not secured to her owner or a fixed point, is considered 'at large' and may be claimed by the first man to place his collar upon her. Claims must be registered at the Island Courthouse within 24 hours."

Seven days, you think. You're here for seven days. You scan the FAQ for a way to end this holiday earlier than intended, although the thought of paying all that money for just leaving after two days makes you nauseous.

"Q: Is there a way to leave the island early?

A: Why would you? But to answer your question: Patruda operates one commercial flight per week (Saturdays, 10:00am). Emergency departures require a judicial waiver from the Island Courthouse. See Section 12: Legal Exemptions."

You flip to the back. There's a cheerful map of the island with little icons — a shopping bag for the market, a cocktail glass for the bar, a horseshoe for something labeled "The Stallion's Stable." A footnote reads: "Remember — a well-secured slave is a happy slave! Visit our gift shop for personalized collars, premium rope, and artisan gags."

Rosaria slumps against the bedpost, her forehead pressed to the polished wood, her shoulders shaking. Whether from frustration or the belt's relentless attention, you can't tell. A soft, strangled moan escapes around the gag.

Mikaere stands by the door, hands clasped, watching you with the serene patience of a man who is doing his job and is convinced to live in the best country on Earth.