A group of girls swarmed around Mia, their taunts and jeers cutting through the air. Mia picked at the grass, her eyes locked on the retreating figure of the young man she had just met. A bitter laugh escaped her lips, wondering if she had truly lost her senses. The usually cold and ruthless Mia had shown mercy to a complete stranger. But as his indifferent silhouette faded into the distance, she felt no regret, only a sense of resignation.Against all odds, Jensen found himself staying with the wealthy McCray family, enduring the relentless brutality of the training camp. Each assassin-in-training had their own room, nestled in the nearby courtyard, the boys' and girls' quarters arranged in parallel rows. The elegance and serenity of the McCray estate belied the bloody, vicious reality of their daily lives.As dusk settled, Hayes's bodyguards came to escort Mia away. She braced herself, knowing that she might never return. As she followed them, her heart caught in her throat when sh

Mia's heart raced as she was repulsed by the touch of an unfamiliar man. With a surge of adrenaline, she wrenched herself free from his grasp and retreated a couple of steps.The man, Kenneth, was instantly incensed. His sneer was icy as he spat. "What's wrong? Can't handle a little attention from me? Don't get cocky just because you're a little easy on the eyes. You're not special. I could throw you in a cage and let the dogs have their way with you!"Another man laughed menacingly. "Kenneth, she just finds you repulsive. Now, if you looked like Hayes, do you think she'd still push you away?""True," chimed in another voice. "It's a shame that Hayes isn't interested in women, though. No matter how beautiful, they don't seem to catch his eye."Truth be told, this group of privileged young men was striking, especially Hayes. The McCray family's genes were undeniably exceptional. Hayes had a brooding and terrifying air about him, yet his face was more captivating than most women's. H

The wheel spun wildly, faster than they could handle. They were all terrible shots, except for Hayes' one perfect arrow. Mia, though unharmed by Hayes' shot, was left bloodied by the others. Some arrows merely grazed her arms and legs, while others pierced her shoulder deeply. By the time the game ended, Mia was soaked in blood, resembling a gruesome, bloody figure. Her teeth gritted, sweat dripping down her spine and forehead, her face was as pale as paper. Yet, despite all of this, she did not appear the least bit broken. Instead, she exuded a fragile beauty and an undeniable, captivating resilience.The game's outcome was soon clear. Hayes' team had won, all thanks to his one arrow. Mia was released from the spinning wheel, struggling to stand and collapsing to one knee. Kenneth glanced at her and then sidled up to Hayes, chuckling. "Hayes, this woman's got some luck on her side, surviving that ordeal.""It's all thanks to your mercy," Hayes replied with a wry smile.The other me

"Did you all hear that? Hayes just claimed her as his own," one of the men blurted, eyes wide."I knew there was something different about the way Hayes looked at her. How could he let such a breath-taking beauty face death?""Must be that she messed up big time, and Hayes brought her here for a dose of punishment."The crowd's gaze on Mia shifted in an instant. Kenneth's heart seethed with resentment, but he dared not speak further."Alright, you guys carry on. I'm heading out," Hayes said, a smile playing on his lips. He then took Mia's hand and led her downstairs.The men stared, dumbstruck, unable to grasp that the usually detached Hayes could be smitten with a woman. Once they left the Velvet Vagabonds, Hayes released Mia's hand. His voice dripped with casual indifference."Think you can manage? If you can, then come back to the McCray family with me. If not, well, you'll have to fend for yourself out here. The McCray family doesn't take in the half-dead."Mia clenched her

Mia's body tensed as she watched Hayes, her heart pounding with a primal fear in response to his icy presence. Hayes came to a halt before her, his slender fingers suddenly landing on her arrow-pierced shoulder. With a sinister grin, he said, "Seems like your injuries today weren't severe enough."As he tightened his grip, Mia involuntarily let out a pained whimper. Cold sweat beaded on her forehead, and her clothes became stained with blood. She gritted her teeth, refusing to cry out.Hayes chuckled darkly and turned to the young man behind him, his tone heavy with innuendo. "Mia is the most exceptional girl among her peers here, and quite beautiful too. Do you like her? If so, I wouldn't mind playing matchmaker for you two."His eyes held a chilling, inscrutable glint despite his smile. His offer of 'matchmaking' seemed like a twisted joke. Mia's gaze remained locked on the young man, her heart constricting with anticipation.After a moment, the young man approached, his voice so