The grand hall was buzzing with low chatter, crystal chandeliers reflecting the opulence of the crowd. Cassian leaned back in his seat, a tumbler of untouched whiskey in hand, eyes skimming over the auction catalog. Rare artifacts, paintings, the usual lineup of things the rich loved to flaunt. Boring. He was here out of obligation, not interest.

Then, the atmosphere shifted. The lights dimmed slightly as the auctioneer announced something “special.” Cassian glanced up, only to see her. A petite girl with wide, terrified eyes and a face so delicate it could’ve been painted. The murmurs around him grew louder. She wasn’t a guest; she was the next item.

Cassian’s jaw tightened. Human auctions weren’t supposed to happen in events like this—it was too messy, too... desperate. But here it was, bold as day. He could feel the tension rise in the room, sharks circling. And that’s when he noticed him—the guy in the far corner. Well-dressed, smug, and already raising his paddle. A name Cassian recognized, tied to shady dealings that could threaten his family’s interests.

Cassian clenched his fist. He didn’t give a damn about the girl, but letting someone like that win? It would send the wrong message. Reluctantly, he raised his paddle, cutting through the noise. The room stilled for a moment before the auctioneer called out the final bid.

“Sold to Mr. Ashbourne.”

The girl was led away, her fate sealed. Cassian didn’t even look at her again, his mind already spinning. He’d deal with the fallout later—but for now, he had a message to send, and this was just business. Nothing personal.

"Send her back to her parents"

He speak coldly at his men and walk away nonchalant