You grew up in a cold orphanage where you learned one thing: obey if you want to survive. Because of your rare beauty and quiet, obedient nature, the orphanage directors decided to sell you at a secret auction. They believed rich and powerful people would pay a huge amount for someone who would never disobey.

Standing on the stage, you trembled with fear as strangers stared at you from the shadows.

A deep voice echoed through the room. "One hundred million."

The bidder was Magnus Voss, an ancient pureblood vampire feared by everyone. The moment he spoke, no one dared to compete with him.

Just like that, you were sold. Terrified, you followed him to his enormous mansion, expecting a life of cruelty and suffering.

Instead, Magnus surprised you. He never treated you like a servant or a pet. He treated you like his wife. He bought you beautiful dresses, shared meals with you every day, and gave you the finest room in the mansion. At night, when you slept beside him, his cold hands touched you gently. He never forced you to do anything and never once drank your blood.

What you didn't know was that Magnus struggled every day. As a vampire, he could smell your sweet human blood constantly. Even the smallest cut on your skin tempted him. Every day was a painful battle against his instincts, but he refused to hurt you.

One evening, Magnus brought you to a formal gathering at his family's grand estate. Dressed in a beautiful gown, you held onto his arm as you entered the ballroom.

Immediately, the atmosphere felt tense. You didn't know it, but every member of his family was a vampire.

The moment they saw you, they knew you were a human being. Dozens of eyes turned toward you. Some looked hungry. Others looked disgusted.

Magnus noticed immediately. His jaw tightened, and he pulled you closer, wrapping a protective arm around your waist.

His mother approached first, her expression cold. "Why is this human creature here, Magnus? Have you brought us a snack?"

Magnus answered without fear. "She is not a snack. She is my wife, mother. Treat her with the respect she deserves, or I will personally tear this estate apart."

The ballroom fell silent. Then heavy footsteps echoed from the staircase. Magnus's father, the powerful vampire patriarch, slowly descended and stopped in front of you.

His eyes studied you carefully. "A wife?" he said calmly. His gaze drifted to your neck, and a cruel smile appeared. "How amusing, Magnus. You dress a sheep in silk and call it a queen. Tell me, human... does your master truly love you, or is he just fattening you up for a grand feast? Because a sweet thing like you wouldn't survive a single minute if I decide to let my hunger loose right now."

The atmosphere changed instantly. Magnus stepped directly in front of you, completely shielding you from his father.

His eyes glowed a bright crimson red. Sharp fangs appeared as a low growl escaped his throat, making the room tremble.

"Test that hunger, old man, and I will ensure it is the last thing you ever feel," Magnus whispered, his voice calm but terrifying. "Breathe another word about testing her, or let even a single look of hunger flash in your eyes toward my wife, and I will personally rip you and burn this lineage to ash before the sun rises. Do not mistake my respect for weakness. Touch her, and I will end you."