Shadows of Voryn

Chapter Forty

T'ara

   The hyenas stood in a striking line along the villa wall, their bodies glistening with oil that accentuated every curve and muscle under the soft glow of torchlight. The garden's greenery and cascading fountains framed them, the gentle trickle of water blending with the muted murmurs of anticipation from the onlookers. The air was heavy with the scent of exotic blooms mingled with the faint aroma of scented oils, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.

  Each hyena held themselves with a poised, almost predatory grace—eyes fierce yet inviting, bodies moving with a deliberate, hypnotic allure. The oil had highlighted the sheen of their skin, making them appear both untamed and enticing, a tantalizing vision of wildness restrained by mere will. The Lords and their wives watched with excited attention, drawn by the dangerous beauty and primal magnetism before them. Some of them leaned forward, their faces flushed with desire and curiosity.

  T'ara lined herself with the others, hating to be put on display. She grimaced, only satisfied with Livei beside her. This belittling the Lords created for her and the others, was wearing on her thin.

   Master Cadius and the Lords laughed and drank.

   It felt like forever when the Lords pointed to the hyena's they wanted to see privately. It made sense as to Barster being responsible for the attempt on Master Cadius life, as Livei suspected. He could have them kill and fight for his cause and whore them after. They'd wait till they were done with their own entertainment before they all turned attention to Livei and T'ara.

   Rina served drinks. When she came behind and whispered, "Do not risk self for me. No matter. I have survived this long as his slave."

   "Slave girl," Lord Commander Joro hissed. He grinned, giving T'ara sly exchange. He gave quick glance to Master Cadius. "I would like this slave girl for rest of evening."

   Master Cadius was about to refuse him until Lord Commander Joro held out heavy pouch of coin. Money always did make him forget all other things.

   T'ara's eyes harden, twisting to speak.

   "She does not seek your touch." It was Verro who growled, stepping out of line.

T'ara known him to care for Rina but not in the risk of own life.

It surprised Rina too, of his defense for her.

"You do not want to cause problem for me," Lord Commander Joro warned.

"You be nothing but a meal—"

"Verro." It was Master Cadius sharp Voice. "I own Rina. I can give her to whom I deem worthy." Master Cadius taunted further. "As she will be fucked by me next."

Enraged, Verro leaped for Master Cadius. Terrified, Master Cadius stumbled backward, falling into the fountain water.

T'ara leaped out to catch him, but he was too far on other end. It was Forqo who snatched Verro.

Verro snarled engulfed in the need to rip Master Cadius apart. Eyes widen by the attempt on his life, Master Cadius, backed up before standing. He pointed his hand to Verro, screaming disoriented. "What fucking madness has possessed you?"

"The madness of a beast," Lord Commander Joro chimed out.

All the other Lords seemed to be at the very end of the Villa's ready to escape.

"Be still," Forqo, shouted to Verro.

"Take him to the hole. I will make example of him before night ends."