The auction grounds were a cacophony of noise and chaos, a sprawling mess of people, livestock, and slaves. Dust hung in the air, stirred by the constant movement of feet and hooves. Bidders shouted their offers, while the auctioneers, perched on raised platforms, barked out their descriptions and enticements. Lord Virgil, a tall and imposing figure dressed in dark, richly embroidered robes, strode through the crowd, his eyes scanning the scene with an air of practiced detachment.
Lord Virgil was a man of power and influence, known throughout the mainland for his wealth and ruthlessness. His sharp eyes, a striking shade of dark red, missed little as he made his way through the throng. He had come to the auction to expand his holdings, seeking strong laborers and skilled artisans to add to his estate. His interests were purely pragmatic, devoid of any sentiment or compassion.
As he passed by one of the main platforms, his attention was caught by a commotion. The crowd's murmurs and laughter drew him closer, his curiosity piqued. On the stage, a group of slaves was being paraded, their expressions ranging from fear to resignation. At the center of the group stood Akita, her tribal attire a stark contrast to the drab rags worn by the others. She looked out at the crowd, her gaze defiant despite her vulnerable position. She was a fighter, that much was clear. Her eyes, sharp and alert, scanned the room, and for a moment, they locked with Virgil's. He felt a jolt of recognition. It was Akita, the warrior from the distant forests, the woman he had encountered long ago. The memory was hazy, but it stirred something within him—a mix of intrigue and curiosity.
The announcer, a portly man with a greasy smile, stepped forward, eyeing Akita with a lecherous gleam. "Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes on this wild beauty! Straight from the untamed tribes of the Luminara, this one is a real fighter. Look at those muscles, those scars! She's got fire in her veins, and trust me, she knows how to use it."
The crowd murmured appreciatively, their eyes roving over Akita's form. She stood tall and defiant, her chin lifted in silent challenge. Akita was back in her skimpy tribal outfit as she felt the men's eyes on her, it made her feel sick. If she was able to punch one of them she would, as a warrior as she fought hard. Once she gets sold she plans on running away from her new master or mistress. The announcer's hand slid along her arm, his touch lingering as he turned her to face the audience. "And she's not just strong; she's a sight to behold. Imagine having this fierce creature at your command."
A ripple of laughter and lewd comments spread through the crowd. Akita's eyes blazed with anger, but she held her tongue, knowing any outburst would only make her situation worse. She had endured much to reach this point, and she would not let them break her now.
The announcer continued, his voice rising to a pitch of excitement. "And now, let's start the bidding! Who'll be the first to claim this warrior woman?"
Bids began to fly, each one raising the stakes higher. Akita's heart pounded as she watched the crowd, her eyes searching for a potential ally, someone who might offer a glimmer of hope. The numbers climbed, and with each increase, her fate seemed more uncertain. Akita stood tall, her expression stoic, though Virgil could sense the unease beneath her composed facade. She was strong, but even the strongest had their breaking points.
Then, just as the bidding reached a fevered pitch, a powerful voice cut through the din. "Ten hundred gold coins!"
The crowd gasped, turning to see who had made such a staggering offer. Lord Virgil stood tall, his gaze fixed on Akita. His expression was unreadable, a mask of calm authority. The other bidders fell silent, awed by the sheer magnitude of the bid.
The announcer's eyes widened with surprise and greed. "Ten hundred gold pieces! Going once, going twice…"
He let the words hang in the air, savoring the moment. The crowd held its breath, waiting for the final declaration. When no further bids came, the hammer fell with a resounding thud. "Sold! To Lord Virgil!"
A murmur of awe and envy rippled through the crowd as Lord Virgil stepped forward. Akita's heart raced with a mix of fear and curiosity. This man, this powerful figure, had bought her for an astronomical sum. What did he see in her? What were his intentions? A collective gasp echoed through the room. All eyes turned to Virgil, and a ripple of recognition spread through the crowd. The whispers grew louder, tinged with a mix of awe and fear. The name "Virgil David" carried weight, a name synonymous with power and ruthlessness as his brother Serf was a powerful emperor of great wealth.
Humans and vampires alike bowed their heads in respect—or was it fear? Some glanced at him with thinly veiled contempt, their disdain clear. Virgil smirked, enjoying the discomfort he caused. The peasants must be upset, he mused, but their opinions mattered little to him. He thrived on their fear, on the power he wielded over them.
Virgil's gaze met hers, and for a brief moment, she saw something in his eyes—a flicker of recognition, perhaps, or a spark of understanding. It was gone in an instant, replaced by his usual cool detachment. The declaration sent a wave of murmurs through the crowd. Virgil's expression remained impassive as he stepped forward to claim his prize. He handed the auctioneer a small pouch, the weight of the coins inside unmistakable. The transaction was swift and efficient, a testament to the efficiency of the auction house.
As the auctioneer handed over the chains that bound her, Akita felt a strange sense of dread. She had been through hell and back, and now she stood on the precipice of a new chapter, her fate tied to this enigmatic lord. The crowd's noise faded into the background as Virgil led her away, his grip firm but not harsh.
The road ahead was uncertain, but Akita's spirit remained unbroken. She had survived countless trials, and she would face whatever came next with the same unyielding strength. As they walked away from the auction grounds, the sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows that seemed to whisper of both danger and opportunity.
For now, she would bide her time, watch, and learn. The chains that bound her were temporary; her will, was unbreakable. And in Lord Virgil's eyes, she saw the potential for something more—a chance to reclaim her freedom, to fight once more, and to carve out her own destiny.
He gestured for her to follow, and she obeyed, her movements careful and measured. As they walked through the crowd parted like a sea, the onlookers watching in silence. Some dared to look up, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Others kept their heads bowed, unwilling to meet Virgil's gaze.
The carriage awaited them outside, a sleek, black vehicle that gleamed in the sunlight. Virgil helped Akita inside, his touch surprisingly gentle. She settled onto the cushioned seat, her posture tense. Virgil followed, sitting across from her. The door closed with a soft thud, and the carriage lurched into motion.
For a moment, they sat in silence, the only sound the soft creaking of the carriage wheels. Virgil studied Akita, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. She was beautiful, no doubt about it, but it was her spirit that intrigued him. There was fire in her, a wildness that called to him. He wondered how long it would take to break her, to mold her into what he wanted.