A couple of hands raised. Zeke cast a questioning glance at Taylor but wasn’t surprised when she shook her head. He’d established the first night with her at the hotel that although she loved being a sub, she had never fully let go to such an extent that she would drop into subspace. It excited him that he’d be the first to break through that barrier and make her soar.
“Sub CC, how did you reach subspace?”
“Flogging, Master Dragon. It hurt like the bejeezus but once I topped over, it was magic. It felt like I had consumed liters of alcohol that left me dizzy and floating.”
“It’s an amazing experience, Master Dragon, that’s all I can say,” another trainee said from the back of the group.
Taylor was impressed with the setup and size of the training dungeon. Zeke had explained earlier that a training session consisted of theoretical information in a classroom setup, followed by a demonstration and then practical application with the assistance of the Training Doms.
“Similar to an orgasm, subspace is difficult to explain as it differs from person to person, due to everyone experiencing varying emotions, responses, and reactions to the scene.” He leaned against the table behind him. “Do you believe that subspace can only be achieved through physical pain?”
“Yes, because that’s how adrenaline and endorphins are released,” Sub CC said.
“Wrong. Those among you who have been in the BDSM lifestyle for a while would know that subspace is an attainable goal no matter what scene you’re involved in. Including a trance-like euphoria achieved through experiencing intense emotions. During that elevated level, subspace is all about a time and space where only the sub and her Dom exist; it’s that powerful. As cliché as it sounds, there is some science to the phenomenon.”
He smiled as the group giggled.
“It’s true,” he continued. “The sympathetic nervous system responds to BDSM because of the typical inclusion of pain and pleasure. A release of the natural chemicals epinephrine, endorphins, and enkephalins contribute to drug-inducing emotions which are always heightened during a scene. These chemicals are a part of the fight or flight response a sub struggles with when it borders on the extreme. That’s what stimulates a morphine-like result. As a submissive, the chemicals increase pain tolerance, creating a floating feeling when pain is introduced. As sub CC said, subspace may create a drunk or high feeling. In other words, you feel no pain, your mind is void of all problems, and your current state of mind is dizzy with joyful feelings.”
“What do you feel when your sub is in subspace, Master Dragon?” Taylor leaned forward as the question slipped unguarded from her lips. Her eyes widened in surprise, having had no intention of voicing her thoughts out loud.
“A Dom experiences different sensations, little one.” Zeke stared at her as he searched his mind for the best response. “Watching a sub in subspace gives me pleasure and insurmountable energy. My feelings are highly intensified but I remain in full control of the scene. A Dom achieves what is referred to as top space which is a much different type of euphoria. While being a submissive is euphoric, being a top results in connection, concentration, and heightened senses. So, while a sub might be floating in an enjoyable carnal state, we are considerably zoned in on their needs and desires. It’s a very different high, but still pleasurable all the same. A Dom can’t afford to slip into top space too deep. It’s his responsibility to elevate his sub but be alert enough to know when it’s time to bring her back down.”
“So, subspace is like an out-of-body experience?” one of the trainees asked.
“It’s how most submissives describe it, yes. Remember, subspace is a natural high. Blissful feelings of connection create intense uppers and unfortunately, those feelings eventually come down. This is where emotional and mental safety is important. Along with the drop in emotions, comes exhaustion, incoherence, and incoordination. Aftercare, and after play is pertinent to make sure all parties involved don’t become unbalanced.” His gaze sharpened as he looked around the room. “Therefore, trainees, I urge you to trust the Dom completely before you commit to a subspace scene.”
He rubbed his hands together as he glanced at the five assistant training Doms standing around the room.
“Now for the fun part. Let’s move to the spanking benches. I’m going to demonstrate using a flogging scene to elevate Orchid into subspace, at which time, my assistants will put each of you through a similar experience. Any questions?”
“Only that we can’t wait!” Sub CC said as she jumped up eagerly and led the group to the far corner of the training dungeon.
Zeke looked at Taylor who hadn’t moved. She returned his gaze as she nibbled on her bottom lip.
“Was this training session planned for today, Master Dragon, or are you doing it for my benefit?”
“Do you think you would benefit from it, love?”
Taylor didn’t answer immediately as she considered his question. She knew she was struggling to deal with the emotional upheaval from the fake assassination in DC. She still couldn’t understand why it affected her so badly. Why she couldn’t let go of the terror that had raced through her mind upon the bullet’s impact. Maybe it was the thought of death and how easy it would be for Kezzler to have her killed. More than anything, the one thing that haunted her was the thought that had flashed through her mind when she’d opened her eyes and looked into Zeke’s.
He could be the next target. Because of me, he’s in danger. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if he got hurt, or worse, killed to protect me.
Maybe that was why she clung to the fear, hoping it would keep her alert at all times so she could keep him safe. On the other hand, with the nightmares escalating, she might be overly emotional about it. Zeke must have realized it and this was his way to guide her through it. To help her find balance.
“Maybe I would.”
He smiled tenderly as he held out his hand. “Then come to me, Orchid.”
She was up and around the table to curl her fingers around his hand before her brain issued the instruction to move.
“Do you trust me, little one?”
“I do, Master Dragon. More than I have anyone in my life.”
It was humbling to be the center of such unconditional submission. It wasn’t a foreign concept to Zeke. Many subs over the years had honored him with their complete trust but never before had it impacted him like this. It was warmth, belief, and acceptance … all wrapped up in that one sentence. He cherished it as he locked it deep inside his soul.
“I promise never to abuse the trust you have in me, Orchid. Your wellbeing and care will always be my first priority.” He brushed his lips over hers in a feathery kiss. “Remember that, love.”
Taylor was still wrapping her mind around the pleasurable tingle that caused her heart rate to increase at his words when he tucked her along with him to the far corner of the dungeon.
“What exactly are you going to do, Master Dragon?” she asked as he stopped in front of the rows of spanking benches.
“I’m going to flog you, my pet.”
“I, ehm …” Her eyes darted warily to the trainees watching and waiting eagerly. She remembered too well the effect being whipped by him had on her, although that first time in the hotel had been a way of punishment. She’d always avoided harsh and painful scenes, mainly because she couldn’t bring herself to hand that much power to another person but also because the one time she had, it hadn’t aroused her. It had been a painful and cruel experience she never wanted to repeat. Zeke had changed her perception of pleasure from pain that night. It had hurt like fuck but there was no denying how vulnerable yet hot and filled with lust every strike had made her feel. To have her weakness exposed to watching eyes filled her with dread. “I’d rather we try one of the other methods to elevate me to a euphoric state.”