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

(25) The Face Of Your Master.

"........," 

"You…"

Eckles' single word hung heavy in the air, drawing a frown to my masked face. 

The auctioneer, sensing my unease, tried a clumsy distraction. 

He tossed the girl I had won to me aggressively, apparently unwilling to deal with her tears and resistance.

I gritted my teeth, watching as he callously threw the weeping girl at me like an unwanted burden.

The sight of her sobbing in my arms brought an unexpected surge of protectiveness that caught me off guard.

I felt anger rise up within me at the way she had been treated - this poor child forced into such a cruel situation.

"Why are you crying?"

I asked softly, cradling her close, attempting to offer some semblance of comfort in the midst of chaos.

My question only intensified her sobs.

She thrashed against me, her voice laced with desperation.

"Let...let me go!" Her small voice shook with terror and despair. "P-Please don't hurt me!"

My carefully constructed patience cracked.

I lashed at the auctioneer in anger, my voice a low growl.

"What do you think you're doing?"

He flinched under my glare, his earlier arrogance replaced by nervous silence. 

I gently lowered the girl to her feet, keeping a protective hold. 

Her eyes, wide with fear, followed the auctioneer as she cautiously backed away.

With a swift movement, I grabbed hold of the collar of his outfit and pulled him closer until our faces were mere inches apart.

"Consider yourself lucky," I hissed, voice dripping with venom, "that I have a shred of mercy left."

Before anyone could react or intervene, I delivered a stinging slap across his cheek with all the force behind it.

The echo of my hand connecting resonated through air like thunderclap - shockwaves spreading among those present including Eckles staring at us.

"Don't forget WHO you're messing with!"

The auctioneer's face contorted in pain and humiliation as blood gushed forth from his nose, soaking into the material of his clothes.

His eyes widened with horror as he staggered back a few steps before collapsing onto the floor.

I ignored the chaos that ensued around us as I picked up the girl once more, wrapping an arm around her shoulders for comfort.

"Shhh," I whispered soothingly. "We're getting out of here."

I glanced at Eckles who seemed equally shocked by my actions but didn't miss how his eyes softened momentarily before hardening back into stoicism.

Servants scurried to tend to their fallen leader, while another man approached, voice laced with forced composure.

"Sir, Lady… please accept our sincerest apologies for our colleague's behavior. He will be dealt with accordingly."

His words were hollow, but for now, they would have to do. 

"Continue with the proceedings,"

I commanded, my tone icy.