Thank you for posting your story. I find it hard to believe that it is your first. There are many stories of mansions populated by cruel, beautiful mistresses punishing equally beautiful damsels, and sometimes unfortunate men. I have written one or two myself! What separates most of these stories and yours is, in my opinion, the quality of your writing, the depth of the characters, the slow controlled build-up of tension and the conflicting thoughts of your 'heroine'. Yes, the story is cruel and brutal in places, poor Kirsty is subjected to some very unpleasant tortures - and not even a happy ending! But as we all know, it is fiction. Do murder mystery writers harbour secret desires to go out and murder? Well, I hope not, but I do like a good murder mystery.
It is not to everyone's taste, certainly, but I did enjoy it, or maybe 90% being picky, as, yes, some of the scenes were for a strong stomach. We can't all please everyone, you might receive some replies that are less than complimentary, but you take those along with the plaudits. I have had a few of both. So, for what it is worth - don't fret, this is a very friendly and generous site, if you enjoy writing then keep writing, write for yourself, for your pleasure, write what you like to write, not what you think others would like. I, and others, look forward to more. All the best.