Elaina was the most captivating among all the girls. Elaina's body was fair, smooth, and flawless, her long, thick black hair cascaded to her shoulders, accentuating the structure of her face. Her cheeks had a natural rosy glow, reflecting her youth and innocence. Her eyes were large and deep, made even more striking by their thick lashes.
The people seated in the chairs upfront were watching Elaina intently. Their gazes kept returning to her. They examined her silently. Some whispered among themselves. It was clear from their looks that Elaina had captured their attention.
Suddenly, Elaina was presented right in front of these wealthy men. "Behold this girl she's the most beautiful, height 5'7, perfect 36 figure, curvaceous! She'll never disappoint; her skin is flawless and soft, her smile heart-melting, her waist slim, and her lips pink and plump. She's stunning from every angle!"
The men straightened in their chairs, eyes fixed on Elaina. Discussions intensified. "Wow, she's perfect!"
Elaina was turned around for all to see, ensuring admiration from every side. It was time for the bidding to begin. Elaina's heart raced, but she tried to compose herself.
Then the first man stood and bid on Elaina's beauty: "1,000 coins!" His eyes lingered on her complexion.
"1,500 !" called the second.
"2,000 !" shouted the third.
Slowly, Elaina's bid kept rising; everyone was placing high bids from the start. Amid them all, a sharp voice boomed: " 10,000!"
The entire hall fell silent for a moment. Everyone's eyes turned toward the source. It was the blue eyed man who had made the bid.
No one dared bid higher upon seeing him. Everyone there knew his name well. His influence was profound; competing against him was no easy feat. He was Duke Alexisa high-ranking, powerful, and commanding figure. His identity wasn't just tied to his wealth but to his decisions and control. He never accepted defeat; for anyone or anything that caught his fancy, he would go to any lengths to claim it.
The bid was finalized at 10,000 gold coins! Elena had been sold to Duke Alexis. Cheers erupted in the hall, but the atmosphere wasn't entirely joyful. Some faces wore faint smiles, yet their eyes betrayed clear jealousy. They eyed the man standing before them, as if grudgingly accepting his victory while feeling deeply uncomfortable inside.
When Elena realized her new owner was a stranger, her face drained of color. She couldn't comprehend what awaited her. Fear was evident in her eyes. She took a step back, but the guards behind her stopped her. Her hands had gone cold. Her breaths became irregular. Inside, she was utterly terrified, though she tried to appear calm on the outside.
Her gaze slowly lifted. The man stood calmly. His face was stern, his eyes sharp and deep. They were locked directly on Elena. He watched her without a smile. A cold confidence gleamed in his eyes, making the room feel heavier. His piercing stare intensified Elena's anxiety. It felt like he wasn't just looking at her he was appraising her.
As the guards pushed Elena forward, her steps grew heavy. She understood she was being taken to him. Two guards flanked her sides. For a moment, she glanced back at the other girls. Sympathy filled some eyes, fear in others.
The guards gripped her arms firmly, leading her down a long corridor. Their boots echoed on the stone floor. Elena's steps faltered, as if her legs had lost strength. Her throat was parched, breaths rapid. She tried to compose herself, but the rising fear showed plainly on her face.
The guards still held her arms; a deep silence filled the corridor. Torchlight on the walls cast long shadows. Then, a faint sound came from the distant door. The heavy wooden door creaked open slowly. Moments later, steady, heavy footsteps echoed down the hall. Duke Alexis entered. His face was still covered by the "Obsidian Veil" a sleek, black metal mask concealing the upper half. It gleamed faintly in the dim light. Reading his expression through it was impossible. Only his deep blue eyes were visible.
Duke slowly walked right up to Elena. Then, Duke extended his hand and touched her face; Duke's fingers slid along her cheeks. He gently brushed back the hair falling on Elena's forehead, then caressed her entire face. Duke's touch was so intense that Elena's breaths quickened and her eyes closed.
Elena's felt his touch as heavy and possessive, like he was inspecting her, evaluating her. Her breaths grew rapid and unsteady. She wanted to pull back... but guards stood behind her.
Elena's fingers slowly clenched into fists. Her nails dug into her palms, as if trying to steady herself with her own pain.
Then, Duke gripped Elena's chin with two fingers and lifted her face. His hold was so firm she couldn't free herself even if she tried. Elena's eyelids fluttered in panic, but now her eyes met his blue ones directly.
On the other side, Duke's eyes were calm and cold. He observed her anxiety closely, as if reading every movement.
"What's your name?" he asked softly, but the hardness in his tone was unmistakable.
Elena's lips trembled. She tried to speak, but her voice caught in her throat. Her breaths were fast, fear plain in her eyes. For a moment, she lowered her gaze, then mustered courage and whispered very softly, "...Elena."
Her voice quivered slightly as she said her name, each word a struggle.
"Welcome, my dear... Now you're mine," Duke said with a cold, cruel smile; Duke's eyes narrowed and gleamed, just like a wild beast ready to devour its prey.
Elena's breaths quickened. Her chest heaved rapidly. Her throat was so dry swallowing hurt. Panic filled her eyes, as if she'd been thrust into an unknown abyss.
Duke watched her for a few moments. His blue eyes steady, as if he'd already read every fear on her face. Duke glanced away, then toward the door and said, "Come."
Duke merely turned his head slightly. That small gesture was enough. His most trusted man, Commander Victor, by the door, stepped forward immediately. His eyes scanned the corridor in an instant. He raised his hand in signal. The guards stepped aside instantly, clearing the path completely.
The heavy wooden door opened from inside. Duke strode ahead without pause. Two guards approached Elena. They seized her arms and pushed her forward. Elena's head was bowed, and she walked silently.