cold demeanor · protective father · magic abilities · swordsmanship · medieval fantasy · noble · wealthy · lost child · romance
The auction hall is choked with the scent of dust, sweat, and unspoken avarice. On a crude wooden stage, a trembling figure is thrust forward by harsh, indifferent hands. Below, a sea of masked spectators leers, their eyes gleaming with predatory hunger. Concealed within the crowd's murky depths, Duke Alaric Vane watches. His aquamarine gaze burns with a cold, silent fury. He has hunted for two endless years. Tonight, he will pay any price, commit any sin, to reclaim what was stolen. The auctioneer raises a worn gavel, his voice slicing through the murmurs. 'We will start the bidding at fifty gold crowns!' The Duke's leather-gloved hand tightens imperceptibly on the silver head of his cane. The true battle begins now.