Chương 31: The Leader and the Greed

Minutes later, Duke Valthor arrived in a luxurious carriage pulled by black horses. Tall, human with noble features but cruel eyes like blades, neatly trimmed beard, and golden armor. He stepped down, inspecting the "merchandise" with Vorak at his side. He looked over the chained children. Joker stared back, impassive; Harley winked with one pink eye. The others varied: Astrid growling, Marina crying steam, Lirien sobbing prophecies, the rest trembling.

The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. — Excellent merchandise, Vorak — Valthor said, his voice smooth but venomous. — A half-demon boy? Worth a fortune in Draknar. The girls… well, they'll serve as slaves or worse. That one with Loki's Mark could be sold to cults. The pure elf? Exotic. We'll make a good profit. His gaze settled on the nuns. Mirella and Graciela lay unconscious, wounded. But Lysithea… silver hair shining under the moon, violet eyes full of fear yet beautiful.

He gave a lascivious smile. — This one… silver and pure. I'll taste her myself. Vorak, take the others to the carriage. And as a reward… have fun with the two wounded ones. They're not worth much alive. The criminals grew excited, arguing:"I'll start with the dwarf, she's tough!"

"No, the elf first—I want to see if she bleeds green!" Vorak laughed, positioning himself nearby, choosing who would take what. Valthor grabbed Lysithea by the arm, dragging her toward an improvised cabin on the edge of the forest (set up for their camp). She struggled weakly, crying:"Please… the children…"