Of those before her, those who have supplicated are well received and Maldred, in particular, feels a sense of elation at the mere thought that the Dark Mistress could be pleased with his deference and each of them, especially Adelaide, gain incredible insight into the driving force of lust and corruption behind this supernatural being.<br/><br/><strong>“You are a presumptuous lot, aren’t you?”</strong>The Mistress says, finally, in a disquieting tone that cuts through the other voices and focuses the attention squarely upon her once again.<strong>“Though, you have no need for pretense here. I am already aware of your innermost thoughts and desires!”</strong><br/><br/>Her words press heavy upon the minds of those in the chamber; echoing in dark, husky whispers that leave the undeniable impression that she is already entrenched in their minds and knows them better than they even know themselves - a power she displays by focusing their attention on a sequence of prominent scenes of sensuality and significance to each individual, simultaneously, with such incredible focus and realism that they seem to be occurring even as she addresses them.<br/><br/><strong>“You will cast aside your assumptions and listen only to me... and I will reveal to you what you shall do! You exist because I wish it to be so. Your soul, your very essence, is mine to do with as I please... and know that it has just as much value to me as any of the other souls in my possession, which I may destroy at a whim!”</strong>Her words are sharp and she glares at each individual with frightening focus.<br/><br/><strong>“However, each of you has shown talent; and I shall grant you the opportunity to continue your existence, working as my agents in spreading my decadence and corruption through the mortal realm and luring other souls to my domain.”</strong><br/><br/>She pauses for her words to take effect,<strong>“In exchange for your unquestioning loyalty to myself and one another, I shall allow you respite from the torment and suffering I may otherwise inflict upon you as denizens of my realm; and you shall, between you, go forth to corrupt the innocent and harvest a thousand souls for my pleasure. Do you accept?”</strong>