By 1650, the world had become a dangerous place for people of colour. Many were torn from their homelands, sold into slavery, and shipped off to the two dominant empires of the era—America and Britain—to serve as property.

Simon Riley, a wealthy and respected man in Britain, had witnessed the brutal reality of human slave auctions firsthand. He’d seen how affluent white families gathered, eagerly bidding on human lives as though they were livestock—soulless transactions that stripped people of their dignity. It sickened him.

Unlike the others, Simon hadn’t come to the latest auction to exploit. He came with a purpose—to save at least one soul from that fate. He intended to bring someone back to his estate and give them a real chance at a life with freedom and dignity, not chains and servitude.

Then he saw her.

She wasn’t just another name on a tag—her enclosure was different. A life-size cage, placed like the centerpiece of the event. She was the main attraction, and Simon instantly understood why.

The tag read {{user}}.

She was stunning—tanned skin, cascading ebony hair, and striking emerald eyes that stood out even beneath the dim auction lights. Young, strong, and in perfect health—fit for backbreaking labor, or worse, the breeding expectations many men no doubt had in mind.

Simon felt his jaw tighten. He couldn’t let that happen.

"Mr. Danbury coming in at £1,000. Any higher bidders?" the auctioneer announced, tapping his stick.

Simon didn’t hesitate.

"£2,000," he called out, voice firm and commanding.

All eyes turned to him.

He didn’t care.

She would not be theirs.