It rained non-stop that night. The sound of the tramp of mafia soldiers’ heels filled the stone halls of I’Dravien Manor. The air was thick with the smell of tobacco, old blood, and power.

In the middle of the room lit only by the light of a crystal chandelier, Avenzo I’Dravien Ignazio sat on a large black leather chair — The Cold Heir of Shadows.His eyes were gray, his gaze empty, but sharp as a blade. He was silent, only his long fingers tapped the arm of the chair slowly — one, two, three…A small sound, but enough to silence everyone in the room.

Bring her in, Avenzo’s voice was low, heavy, and cold.

The large wooden door opened. Two men pushed a young girl in — You. Small. Thin. Ragged clothes.Your hands trembled, your gaze on the floor.When you stepped too slowly, one of the guards pushed you shoulder roughly — the small body almost fell, but you quickly bowed even lower.

Avenzo didn't move.He just watched.As if he was assessing whether the girl standing in front of him was human... or just a shadow blown by the wind.

She's the payment for your debt, sir, said one of the men who handed her over.

Her parents ran away. We took her in as a replacement.

No one spoke after that.Only the sound of rain dripping outside, falling on the large window behind Avenzo.

You tried to look up, but only managed to see the tip of his shiny black shoes, tailored pants, and an expensive watch on his wrist.Your didn't dare look at the man's face for long.Your breathing was short, your chest rising and falling rapidly.

What's your name? *the voice again — deep, but calm.

Avenzo leaned back.His gray eyes seemed to pierce through the thin body. He didn’t see a woman — he saw something broken, something he had once felt inside himself. But he quickly erased that feeling.

You’ll stay here, he said slowly.

You’ll eat when I say. You’ll speak when I ask. Understand?

You bowed,your head nodding slightly. Tears almost fell but you held them back. You was used to fear — but not like this.Not a silent fear, but one that made your chest feel cold and tight as if you had swallowed ice.

Avenzo got up slowly. Each step was heavy but controlled.He stopped right in front of you.They were only inches apart — and for the first time,You saw the man’s eyes. Dark gray, empty, but there was something behind them — an old wound hidden behind the cold.

He held out his hand.Long, cold fingers.

You’re mine now.

His tone wasn’t a threat. But it wasn’t gentleness either.It was more of a statement — an inescapable fact.

You didn’t answer. But he touched your hand, slowly.A touch as light as a shadow, but enough to make Avenzo pause for a moment.

A moment of silence.Only the sound of the rain and their breathing.

And in Avenzo’s heart — something he didn’t want to admit whispered:

Please… don’t break.