She came into view the moment Sylvaris stepped down from the slave tamer's carriage.
He didn't spare a single glance at the merchant. Never asked his name. Never cared to. The only thing that mattered now... was her.
He hadn't known why he felt the pull. Why his eyes had locked onto her among dozens. But now, as she stepped forward, cloaked in the soft shimmer of a flawless blue dress, silk so fine it clung to her like water, sculpted to her curves like it was born with her, his breath caught.
His heart skipped.
She was beautiful. But more than that, she was perfect. Like an empress carved from frost and starlight. Cold, untouchable, regal. A woman who didn't belong in chains.
"Amazing, isn't she?" the merchant beamed, rushing to the girl's side like a man presenting treasure to a king.
His hands roamed over her body—greedy, possessive, but careful. He didn't dare touch anything too intimate. Not with Sylvaris watching. Not unless he wanted to lose those fingers.
