Is That Deep Enough?

She grips the chain tighter, yanking the metal collar that bites into his throat. He jerks forward, eyes watering, breath ragged. She doesn't let up. Each tug draws him closer to that unyielding point where flesh meets steel. Another pull, harder. His spine bows under her weight and the tension flares hot across his shoulders. She watches the strain ripple through him, then drives deeper still, testing how far the links can stretch before something gives. He gasps when the final link scrapes bone-deep. The chain holds. So does she.