"I have a little gift here for you, darling." your partner said, failing to hide a mischievous smile as they pulled a small wooden box out of their bag. You accepted it gently and took a moment to admire the intricately-carved swirls and spirals which detailed the outside.

 

"It's so pretty!" you beamed, slowing swinging the lid open. "Thank you so m—" your words trailed off as the contents of the box caught you by surprise. Inside, a small crystal rotated slowly, stealing your attention as it refracted light in all directions. Soft chimes of a music box accompanied the spinning crystal, and the room around you seemed to become distant.

 

"That's my good toy," your partner whispered. "Just lose yourself as you listen and stare. Eyes locking onto the crystal, pulling every last thought out of that malleable head of yours. Making it so much easier to drift deeper to the sound of the music box."

 

Quickly, it was becoming difficult to focus anywhere else, as the crystal tugged at your thoughts. The light seemed to flicker as it spun, catching your eye with unpredictable patterns and an entire spectrum of color. Your partner continued to speak to you, but even their words were lost behind the gentle melody dancing in your ears. Each note ringing and reverberating through your mind, drawing you in even deeper.

 

It was impossible to know how long you had stared at the crystal, but eventually, the music slowed and neared its end. As it did, your partner's voice returned, replacing the would-be silence with an opportunity to guide you further down. "You're doing so well, so deeply enthralled by the box. All those thoughts completely trapped within the crystal, all those distractions fading away as you sink deeper and deeper into mindless relaxation." Your body felt limp, your mind distant. You weren't sure when the box had been moved from your hands to the table in front of you, but it was probably best given how heavy everything felt. "Now, as I reach over and close the box, you won't even notice as any last trace of your conscious mind is locked away inside it. Sinking so much deeper as your mind goes blank."