Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Sanctuary characters.

Lilith's fear was so high that she felt flushed from it. Though her belly was full, her heart was heavy with dread. Master Haddock was sure to punish her harshly for her defiance at the hospital. The food in her stomach made her nauseous for a moment as her mind conjured up all the possible ways her Master would hurt her. She didn't want it but she couldn't prevent it either.

"Lilith?"

John's soft voice penetrated her raging thoughts. She blinked and trembled at the sight of the tent entrance. This was it. She prepared herself for the beating of her life. She nodded to John. He took her hand and led her inside.

They both halted and Lilith stared. The tent was empty. What was most shocking was the ornate bathtub in the center of the tent. Steam rose from the heat of the water. The gentle scent of lavender mixed with vanilla teased her nose.

She turned to look at John. He simply motioned for her to go to it. "You can use it."

Lilith didn't move. This had to be some test, some trap from her master. She was too afraid to choose. She didn't want to be wrong and suffer for it. She turned away from the temptation, intent on leaving the tent.

She startled when John grabbed her by the arm and turned her around. He tugged her toward the tub and when she resisted, he let go of her arm.

Before Lilith could move, John grabbed the bottom of her shirt and started to pull it up. Shocked, Lilith smacked his hand away and clutched her shirt to her.

"Stop it!"

John straightened and his gaze was cold.

"Either get in or I put you in, Lord Haddock's orders."

Lilith didn't want John to see her naked.

"Please step aside and let me leave. I don't need a bath. I'm fine, John."

"Lord Haddock told me to remind you that pets don't get to make choices. They are chosen for them." John's tone was soft but the menace in it made her shiver.

The threat was clear. Lilith was not about to defy any more of Master Haddock's orders. Still embarrassed at having John see her body, she turned her back on him and hurriedly undressed. She quickly got into the tub, sinking down until the bubbles covered her chest.

The water stung her injuries but she didn't complain. John merely grunted and left her alone in the tent.

Lilith let out a relieved sigh. She remained tense for a while before the pain of her injuries and the warmth of the bath made her doze off.

"Hi, Lilith."

Lilith blinked and glanced about. She was on a beach. She shook her head, surprised to find herself in a dream and not a nightmare. She never had restful and peaceful sleep like this. She touched the sand and marveled at the feel of it.

"Is the sand more interesting than me?"

She whipped her head up and blushed. Standing near her was the man from the previous night's performance.

"No, it's not," she stammered, blushing again at the unusual feelings stirring in her.

"Good. I would have been sad if that was the case." He sat down next to her, smiling so brightly, it eased her nervousness.

"I don't know your name."

"You are so silly. I'm Will. Are you feeling alright?" He touched his hand to her forehead.

She was beginning to wonder if she was hallucinating. Why would she know his name when she'd only met him once?

Lilith flinched when Will abruptly stretched his arms and laid his head in her lap. Gaping, she dropped her gaze to his face.

"Such a beautiful view," he whispered and caressed her face.

She felt heat fill her face and then the song from the rooftop came to her mind. Unthinkingly, she opened her mouth, the lyrics pouring from her:

Someone, somewhere, hear me

Somehow, someday, love me softly

Love me gentle, love me true

I have you, and love you I do

She smiled, glanced down and froze. Horror rocked her soul. Looking up at her was her Master.

"Still making up songs without permission, Pet?"

His hand reached up, grabbing her by the throat. Lilith let out a scream as he choked her and she fainted.

She came awake with a scream which was silenced by a slap to her face.

"I asked you a question, Pet. Who gave you permission to sing that song?"

Lilith flinched at the anger in his eyes. She immediately stammered out an apology.

"I'm sorry. No one said I could. It just came to me. I shouldn't have done it. Please forgive me, Master Haddock."

Haddock glared and then he smirked. Lilith's breath hitched. This was bad. Very bad.

"Get out of the tub, Pet."

Trembling, she rose from the cold water and stepped out. She shivered and hugged herself, her eyes on her Master.

He held out a towel and she stared at it as if it were a poisonous snake. Her master said nothing, only kept his own gaze on her.

Lilith understood what this game was. She had to make a choice. Grab the towel or run naked outside. Either way, she would be punished. Her mouth was dry as her mind raced. trying to find the best solution.