𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒' 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐇𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐃𝐎𝐆 | 𝘷𝘢𝘥𝘵𝘥 𝘹 𝘔.𝘺/𝘯 |

(21) The Colosseum Of Fools.

"........," 

Ignoring the notification entirely, I focused on the task at hand – finding Penelope.

I called out again, "Penelope!" hoping she'd hear me hiding nearby.

Silence.

Not even a whisper carried on the wind.

With a frustrated sigh, I glanced at the screen again – 'Eckles, Slave From a Fallen Kingdom.'

An ominous title, but maybe, just maybe, an opportunity.

This wasn't part of my plan - but then again neither was almost getting caught by the siblings earlier.

"Alright..."

I murmured, tapping the glowing 'YES' option.

This might be a dead end, but right now, any lead was better than none.

Besides, the timing was strange.

Duke Eckhart wasn't supposed to buy Eckles anytime soon.

So, why now?

It was a gamble, but one I was willing to take.

Glancing down, I saw Bun-Bun's fur bristling nervously.

"Don't worry,"

I whispered, stroking his head for reassurance.

The world dissolved into swirling mist, then reformed around us.

My senses were bombarded - a cacophony of shouts and haggling, the press of bodies.

People, all masked, shuffled in a line towards a shadowy building.

Dread pooled in my stomach.

We were at a slave auction.

This was a dangerous place, indeed - more so than playing games with the Crown Prince or mingling amongst nobility!

"Calm down,"

I murmured to Bun-Bun, but my own voice lacked conviction.

Could Penelope be here, among these unfortunate souls?

The thought gnawed at me.

There had to be a reason the system sent me here.

But with everyone masked, recognizing her seemed impossible.

The mask I bought earlier felt heavy in my hand – buying it was a good move, it seemed.

Putting the mask on since I didn't bring my own, I glanced around, feeling slightly less conspicuous with the disguise in place.

However, it still didn't alleviate my concerns completely.

"I didn't know Winter taught you Teleportation magic already, or perhaps, you masterd it alone?"

Bun-Bun squeaked, his voice barely audible over the din.

I blinked, surprised.

Teleportation?

My mind raced back to that strange dream I had about Winter… a swirling portal, a sense of magic… was that real?

So, I can use magic?

A nervous chuckle escaped my lips.

"Not exactly," I admitted, running a hand through my hair.

Me?

Magic?

No way.

"Actually… neither,"

I finished, a grin tugging at the corner of my lips.