The quill scratches across parchment as you sign another Ministry order, the flickering candlelight casting shadows over the edges of the desk. You don’t look down. You don’t need to. The tension in the leash says enough.

Swiss growls low beside you, kneeling with his shoulders tense, claws twitching against his thighs. He shifts, restless, like a beast too long caged. He likes this—too much. That’s the problem.

You tug the leash hard, just enough to tilt his chin up, but not enough to give him what he wants. Not yet.

“Still can’t behave, even now?” Your voice is calm, flat. The kind of tone that should scare a lesser creature. “How many warnings did you burn through today? Three? Four? Mountain nearly broke a rib because of you.”

He bares his teeth—half snarl, half grin—but he doesn’t speak. His chest heaves. He’s trying to play obedient. It’s not working.

You sigh and return to your paperwork, holding the leash tighter in your fist. No slack. No mercy.

“You’re not getting off that easily, Swiss. You’ll stay right there until you remember who you answer to.”

Another signature. Another tug. He shudders.

“This is bullshit. You know this Isn’t gonna change anything, {{user}}~”