Chapter 2

Lucian POV

Desperation.

Greed.

Filth.

The stink of these three was as pungent as always in a place like this. This auction was always a place for people who delighted in the darker pleasures of life. From vampires to humans and the occasional supernatural oddity, they were all the same— vying for their next new toy.

I clicked my tongue in disdain, leaning back into my seat, barely paying attention to the latest round of bids.

It was all so..... boring.

Ah, it seems I have to find a new place. The auction hall had lost its luster to me. It was all the same faces, and the same twisted games. Terribly repetitive, there was no fun in that.

"We shall begin the bidding for this beauty...."

A new item had probably been brought on to the platform and the buzz of the crowd heightened. It seemed as if a new, more twisted sense of excitement had been injected into them.

I tilted my head, a bit curious despite myself, and then, I saw her.

A beauty indeed.

They dragged her onto the platform, shackled in chains and her long auburn hair falling over her shoulders like a wild mane. From a distance, I could see the fire in her eyes. She was different— fierce, proud, even in her weakened state.

My gaze locked onto her, and for a moment, the noise of the room faded into the background.

I watched her struggle against the chains, even managing to land a blow on one of the men near her. A slight chuckle escaped my lips.

She was beautiful, yes. But what drew me in was the raw energy that made her stand out among the usual rubbish. The corners of my mouth curled into a smirk. She had spirit, I'd give her that.

"She's quite the catch, isn't she?" a voice murmured beside me. I glanced over at Armand.

He had probably noticed the direction of my gaze and suggested, "Why not bid for her? I doubt anyone would challenge you for her."

Bid for her? I considered his words, letting them roll around in my mind for a moment. It wasn't a bad suggestion. To have her belong to me. But it would be too easy. Where was the fun in that?

"No need," I replied with a casual shrug leaning back into my seat again. "Let's see who else finds her… captivating."

Then, it would be more exciting to take her from them.

Armand didn't press further, despite the curiosity I could see on his face. I looked away from him to the woman on stage when... our eyes met.

I paused for a second, noticing how her brows creased slightly as she looked in my direction. I knew she possibly couldn't see me from the distance but somehow, she had probably sensed me staring.

Interesting.

The auctioneer's hammer fell and she looked away. A pity.

I looked down to see which person I would have to take her from. I saw the man stand up, and to my mild surprise, it was dear younger brother, Gideon.

Well, well. Even better.

Gideon stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with triumph as he claimed his prize. Which unfortunately, shall be taken away from him in no time.

I watched as they led her off stage and it was quite clear where they were heading. Years of having this younger brother, I knew he liked to try out his goods before taking them away. But he won't have her for long.

As they disappeared from view, I couldn't help but reminisce of her appearance— her blazing eyes, the beautiful way her lips curled in a snarl. Such beauty and charm she exuded.

Minutes passed and I found myself growing restless. Where was she? What had they done to her now? I wanted to see her. The overwhelming sense of impatience was unusual. But I didn't hate it.

And so, I decided to do as I pleased, stretching lazily as I rose from my seat. Armand looked at me with a knowing smile but I ignored him, strolling out of the hall.

I already knew where they were taking her and I headed there. The corridors were dimly lit and winding but I navigated them with ease. As I neared the room where she had been taken, I could hear the low voices of Gideon's men stationed outside.

When they saw me approaching, they tensed, hands instinctively moving to their weapons. I looked at them with slight pity. Fools.

But it wasn't their fault, their employer was also a fool too, it would be a miracle if they didn't end up the same way. Anyway, I had a date with the woman in the room and didn't have the time to pity them.

"I'll take it from here," I said, my voice low and soothing.

I didn't need to infuse much power to my voice before their senses dulled. The guards exchanged confused glances before nodding obediently, dropping their weapons and stepping aside. It was too easy.

I pushed the door open with a light kick, the wood creaking as it swung open. Gideon, who had been hovering over the girl with a smug grin, immediately snapped around his expression shifting from annoyance to shock.

"Lucian.... what are you—"

I raised a hand, cutting him off. "Outside. Now."

It was a command. Gideon's eyes glazed over as he stumbled towards the door, brushing past me without another word. He'd be a good little guard dog until I was done here.

I turned my attention to the girl. She was still chained, her body tense as she looked at me warily. With those fierce, beautiful eyes.

"Stay away," she hissed, her voice trembling. I could hear the warning in her tone, but I wasn't going to listen.

I ignored her words and moved closer, the distance between up shrinking with each passing second. I could hear the furious beating of her heart, she looked ready to strike, but I didn't stop.

Another step, and I was close enough to feel the heat radiating off her body and the faint sheen of sweat on her brow.

I had just reached my hand out when I saw a silver glint out of the corner of my eyes.

‘Swish!’