SIGRIDAt that moment, I was beyond grateful for my knowledge of black magic.Even so, despite all the strange things I had witnessed, watching the trunk of that tree split open, with dark, tar-like blood oozing onto the ground from within, and the body of that man being "released"—that was a scene that would be burned into my memory forever.Half of his body tumbled out of the tree trunk, barely recognizable, his raw flesh exposed and slowly being devoured.He tried to crawl forward using his arms, but he couldn’t. His legs were still trapped—it seemed that cursed tree wouldn’t let go of its meal so easily.The slave clung to life. Not a single sound escaped his lips despite the excruciating pain he had to be feeling, and something like admiration stirred in my chest.I placed the baby on the soft grass, away from this horrific scene, and strode toward him with determination."Come on, don’t make me waste my time and spells in vain," I urged him sharply, gripping his arms and yanking

SIGRIDThat man had sat up and was attacking me, with a monstrous strength I had no idea where he was pulling from, given his condition."I'm… removing… the seal," I clawed at his wrists, fighting against the lack of oxygen, staring directly into that golden eye now burning with clouded, erratic fury.Madness lurked in its depths."Don’t… touch me… you damn…—" he growled, his voice dripping with such visceral, bloodthirsty hatred that it sent shivers down my spine."Aagghh," I gasped, struggling against him.His black nails dug deeper and deeper into my pale throat, darkness creeping into my vision, dizziness clouding my mind."I'm not… her… calm… down… I'm not… Lucre…cia…"I realized he was confusing me with her—that the hatred he felt for his former mistress was fueling the last remnants of resistance in his body.I was going to have to attack him—I could feel it—but I wasn’t about to die for someone else’s sins.Just as I was about to summon flames in my hands, the pressure on my n

SIGRIDHe had the blanket draped over his shoulders. He looked at me for a second before lowering his head and stepping aside."Good, I see you're at least standing," I said, stepping inside to check that everything was in order."Put on these clothes and shoes I bought for you. I think they should fit, but we can find more later if needed."I tossed a leather bag onto the bed, filled with items from the market, as I sat down on the small chair beside the round table.I expected him to hide behind the wooden screen to change, but instead, he simply dropped the blanket and stood completely naked in the middle of the room.I immediately averted my eyes.Clearly, undressing wasn’t something that troubled him. He had probably spent half his life like this.I could hear the rustling of fabric as he dressed. He wasn’t speaking, and neither was I. I was getting bored."What’s your name? I’m Electra de la Croix," I introduced myself at last."I have no name… my lady," he answered, and I glanc

SIGRIDI pressed the pedal again, discreetly glancing toward the opposite booth, where the red light flickered on the floor.And so, we waged our silent bidding war. The other buyers had withdrawn—the lunar runes were valuable, but their uses were limited."500,000 gold coins for bidder number 67!""Damn it!" I muttered under my breath.Electra had money—she could afford this—but withdrawing too many coins from the family vaults would draw Morgana’s attention.My gaze kept drifting toward the red cloth, something about it pulling me in. Whatever was behind it, I had to take it.But if I spent too much now, I might not have enough to make a bigger bid later."500,000 gold coins for the lunar runes—sold to bidder number 67!""This can’t be happening," I pinched the bridge of my nose.Goddess, I hope losing this item—one I desperately needed—was worth it."And now, one of tonight’s treasures! I know you’ve been waiting for this—behold this beauty!"He yanked the cloth away, and I swear I

SIGRIDThe edges of her massive rings sliced into his cheeks, leaving bloody streaks as the man struggled to obey her."That’s better. As a reward, it’s time to mark you—so everyone knows you belong to me."She spoke, and I took a step forward, swallowing the lump in my throat.I clenched my teeth, feeling my facial muscles stiffen.Rage coursed through my veins as I watched her lower the cigarette holder and press it against the lower part of the man’s body.He started thrashing, screaming through the gag, his agony unmistakable.The stench of burning flesh instantly filled my senses.Our eyes met—his wide, desperate, pleading.«Save me, save me, please!»I began unlocking my Selenia magic, which I had kept concealed to avoid being discovered.I was going to kill this bitch and rescue this important elemental—this woman didn’t deserve to breathe another second.My hand extended toward a sword, my fingers curling like claws, aiming for her throat."Number 23, respond! Number 23!" The