As Everlyne made her way the Vayne's study, her mind kept racing with thoughts of 'what ifs'. What if he saw me?What if the guards or the servants told him I left the house? She didn't even realize when she knocked on the door. All she heard was Vayne's voice telling her to enter. "Good evening my lord. You summoned me." Her voice was ever soft, not daring to raise it.
"Lyne my sweet, am having visitors tonight,keep off the study." Vayne said. Although his voice held sweet enchanting words, Everlyne understood the underlying warning if she came close to the study. She released her breath that she didn't even know she was holding because of her fear of Vayne knowing she was the one he had been looking for.
The room was dimly lit by the flickering glow of oil lamps, casting long shadows on the stone walls. His study was lined with ledgers and maps, but his attention was drawn to the heavy iron door at the far end of the chamber. It was reinforced, locked, and warded-his greatest treasure hidden within. A sharp knock interrupted his thoughts."Enter," he called, his voice smooth but edged with impatience. The door creaked open, revealing Alric, his most trusted steward. The man bowed slightly before stepping forward.
"My lords," Alric murmured. "The buyer has arrived." Vayne exhaled slowly, smoothing out the cuffs of his fine sleeves. Buyers came and went, drawn to his illicit dealings-rare spices, forbidden relics, and artifacts stolen from the depth of the sea. But there was one commodity more valuable than all the rest. He stood and gestured toward the iron door. "Bring her." Alric hesitated. "She.....she's weak, my lord. She has not cried in days." Vayne's jaw clenched. "Then remind her why she must." Alric bowed again and disappeared into the shadows. A moment later, they both went into the chamber. The mermaid barely resembled the ethereal creatures of legend. Her silver hair was tangled, her once-glowing skin dulled by captivity. A ragged cloth covered her form, hiding the remnants of her scales. Her eyes, once vibrant as the ocean, were hollow.
Vayne studied her with a calculating gaze."You know what I need." She did not answer. She barely even looked at him. With a slow sigh, he gestured. Alric stepped forward, a small glass vial in hand. He uncorked it, and within seconds, the scent filled the air a sharp, acrid aroma that burned the senses. A special concoction, one designed to force her kind to relieve the most painful memories buried deep within their souls. She tensed immediately, her breathing shallow. Vayne leaned in slightly, his tone almost gentle."Let it out. We both know you have more to give."
A strangled sound escaped her lips. A tremor ran through her fragile form. And then- a single tear slid down her cheek. The moment it fell, the liquid shimmered, turning into a perfectly, formed, iridescent pearl. Vayne smiled. This was why he had everything. And soon. He would have ore