Ishakan, cloaked in black robes, stood imposingly in front of Livine, who lay crumpled on the ground.

His predatory golden eyes flashed as he calmly lit his tobacco, while his right-hand man, Haban, held a blade to the gypsy woman's neck, whom they had just apprehended in their investigation.

Known as 'The Seductress of the Gypsies' on this continent, Livine faced Ishakan's unwavering gaze as he ordered, "Take her to the palace. She will be my hostage."

His eyes never strayed from her features as he assessed her. "If she speaks, let her live. If she proves useless, dispose of her."

It was a dark night on the border of the desert kingdom, where all gypsies who dared to enter met their demise, except Livine. For Ishakan, her fate rested on her ability to be of use-her choice to stay alive or face death.