Chapter 2 Sold to the devil

Aurora's feet dragged across the pavement, exhaustion gnawing at her bones as she walked home from the hospital. The nurse's words still echoed in her mind. Her mother needed immediate treatment, or she would die. Her head felt like it was about to burst as she racked her brain for a way to get the money.

And she had until morning to come up with an impossible amount. What should she do?

But as she turned the last corner toward their tiny apartment, her steps slowed.

A black sedan sat in front of their crumbling home. Her stomach twisted. This kind of feeling,, it always came when she was in danger. She didn't know why, but a sudden wave of unease gripped her the moment she spotted the suspicious car.

Near the vehicle stood Felix, his hunched frame unusually stiff. Surrounding him were three tall men in black suits, their sharp gazes piercing the night. One look at them, and it was obvious that they weren't good men.

Felix was talking to them intently. Negotiating. His fingers twitched, his body language reeking of desperation.

Aurora froze. This is bad. This is really, really bad.

Despite the growing alarm in her chest, she still took a cautious step forward. Her voice barely above a whisper. "Dad?"

The men in black turned toward her in unison, their expressions stern, their presence commanding silence.

Felix's eyes darted to her, and for a fleeting second, something flickered in them. Was it guilt? Or a twisted sense of satisfaction?

Then, his lips curled into a cruel smirk.

"There she is." His voice was unbothered, almost amused. "Take her."

Aurora's world tilted. What did he mean by that?

"What?" she whispered, her voice cracking with disbelief and horror.

One of the men stepped forward, his tone devoid of emotion. "Your father has settled his debt. You are the payment."

Her chest tightened. She knew it. How could her own father do this to her? She was his daughter, his flesh and blood!

Aurora turned to Felix, horrified. "Dad-- you can't do this... I'm your daughter!"

Felix sighed, rolling his eyes. "Oh, grow up, Aurora. You've been living under my roof for nineteen years. At least now, you'll finally be of some use."

The words slammed into her harder than any beating he had ever given her. Aurora's lungs constricted. Her fingers shook.

Of some use?

She had spent her entire life suffering for this man enduring his gambling, his beatings, his cruelty. She had worked endless hours to pay off his debts. And now, he was simply selling her?

Felix's sneer deepened. "You act so shocked," he scoffed. "You're not even my real daughter."

Aurora staggered back, her breath hitching.

"What?"

Felix smirked, crossing his arms. "That's right. You were already crawling around when Maria and I found you by the river. You're nothing to me."

Aurora's body turned cold. Her entire existence and her entire life, it had been a lie. Another brutal blow. She wanted to scream, to demand the truth. Why was heaven punishing her this much?

But before she could react, strong hands grabbed her arms.

"No.. NO! LET ME GO!" She thrashed violently, but the men were too strong.

Felix didn't even flinch. He simply turned away, spitting on the ground. "At least now, you won't be a useless mouth to feed."

And just like that, she was dragged away.

_____

The luxury car sped through the city, but Aurora barely noticed. Her mind reeled, spinning in turmoil.

Her father...No, Felix wasn't even her real father. And now, she was being delivered like prey to the lion's den.

When the car finally stopped, she was hauled out and escorted into a grand, high-end hotel.

Aurora barely registered the marble floors, the golden chandeliers, the heavy scent of wealth. She was too numb.

She was shoved into an elevator, then down a lavish hallway. Then, a massive suite.

Aurora stumbled inside, and then she saw him. An old man. Fat. Wrinkled. Reeking of expensive cologne and arrogance. His thin lips curled into a smirk.

Aurora's stomach twisted in revulsion. The way his beady eyes drank her in made her skin crawl. It was terrifying. Disgusting.

"She's quite the prize," the old man chuckled, swirling his wine. "Felix never mentioned how beautiful you were."

Aurora stiffened. Her throat closed up. She stepped back. "Stay away from me."

The old man laughed. "Oh, don't be so shy. I own you now."

Aurora's chest heaved. Nervousness and dread overwhelmed her as terrifying possibilities ran through her mind. If anything happened tonight, this would be the worst nightmare of her life.

"I am not a property!" she spat.

The old man sighed, setting his wine down. "You're young. You'll learn."

His disgusting gaze dragged across her frame, lingering in a way that made her want to vomit.

"You know," he mused, tilting his head, "girls like you should be grateful. I can give you anything. Wealth, luxury, pleasure."

"I'd rather die," she retorted firmly.

The old man's smirk deepened.

"Is that so?" He stepped closer.

Aurora backed away, her entire body screaming in panic. She had to escape. She had to, no matter what. Her eyes darted wildly around the room. Then there, she saw it.

A glass vase on the table.

Without thinking, she lunged for it. She grabbed the vase and smashed it against the wall with all her might.

Glass shattered into pieces. Before anyone could react, she snatched a jagged shard and pressed it against her wrist. Her hands trembled, but her voice was fierce.

"If you touch me, I'll commit suicide."

She meant it. Her life was already meaningless anyway. It wouldn't be a loss if she died now.

The old man paused. Then, he laughed sinisterly.

"You think I care?" he sneered. "I already bought you."

Aurora's heart pounded violently, but she didn't waver. She pressed the shard deeper, her smooth skin splitting open. The cut wasn't deep, but fresh blood oozed out.

"I'll die before you can touch me," she spat bravely, her lips already losing color.

Until... BANG!

The door slammed open.

Aurora gasped. The entire room filled with men in black.

And then, he stepped inside.

A tall figure. Broad-shouldered. Exuding power. His presence sucked the air from the room.

His gray eyes were sharp. Cold. Dangerous.

The old man trembled. "M-Mr. Moore.."

Aurora barely heard him.

This man... he was different. He didn't even look at the old man. His gaze locked onto her, sharp as a blade.

Something flickered in his eyes. Recognition? Interest? Or possession?

His voice was calm. Too calm.

"You don't have to do that."

Aurora's fingers trembled around the glass shard.

She didn't trust anyone. But this man.. this stranger who had appeared out of nowhere was looking at her like she belonged to him.

Could she trust him?

Honestly, she had nothing left to lose.

Grayson stepped forward, effortlessly plucking the glass from her fingers.

And she let him.

Because whatever fate awaited her now, it would no longer be in the hands of monsters.