Chapter 1: Sold to a mysterious man

My entire life been has overwhelming for me...I don't just know what to say at this point when «I'm a just a thing in the eyes of humans». Locked up, chained from head to toe like an animal in cage displayed infront to million eyes like antique for sale where they bid in numbers for me.

I wasn't expecting much from any of this rich snobby people cause I knew my fate was dark and empty and I said to myself “what's there to lose when you already lost everything”.

In the crowd I could hear people bidding 100pieces of gold for me,some 300 pieces of gold for me and others 500pieces of gold for me..

Suddenly the crowd was silent when a tall man said 20,000,000million pieces of gold for her. I was startled and puzzled why someone will pay such gross amount for a low class like me..as the foot step of this mysterious man move forward to my direction I felt nervous...and why?

The tall figure stood infront of me looking down upon me...I could feel he was analyzing me through the cage. The auctioneer hit the board and said “sold”, without waiting the tall man open the cage which I was chained in and break the chains, he carried me and said “ You're my property.”

“Property “ that word I despise it,but when this mysterious man,who was all dressed in black and all I could see was his shiny long black hair and his percing dark blue eyes staring at me I felt a sense of relief which was odd....

He carried me and walked out with me still in his arms....

Outside I saw a carriage where I sat inside and he the mysterious man followed inside. Again as the carriage began to move I felt nervous...which I myself I didn't know why? «Then I began wondering why I felt this way»; was it because I was dressed shabby, my hair was unkept, I looked like a slave while the ”mysterious man even though he was in black he still looked elegant in his attire.“

The silence was overbearing, I knew as a low class, I knew I had no authority to speak to a first class like this man who was sitting on the other side of the carriage gazing intensively at me...«What's your name?» Asked the mysterious man...I was startled once again and said«Ciana» ”they call me Ciana“ I responded..

An hour before they arrived their destination ciana slept off...on the other side of the carriage while the mysterious looking man was on his book. He noticed she had slept off he wasn't the type to feel bother about people but he also wondered why she was looking like that..

«what a strange looking girl»...”she seem nervous” he said to himself..

Finally ciana arrived her new destination..Big white gates, and a vast garden with alot of different flowers which through the window she admire it but what caught her attention was the huge architectural mansion infront of her. It's was beyond words for her...she stepped out of the carriage and couldn't stop gazing at the masion. It didn't take long for the mysterious man to notice her sudden change of facial expression.

Then came this well dressed man who look in his sixty with a white long mustache.

He approached the mysterious man and said«“ welcome back Duke Zain”» with so much respect the age man said he's name...and wait did I just here “Duke” this isn't any man I said to myself....he must be a very high Nobel or something.

"Thanks Albert" he said with a husky voice..then he glanced towards my direction and said "clean her up“. With the same tone..he walked into the grandiose mansion... Albert the butter I figured, he left me inside and call a maid to help me clean up...

"Nice to meet you milady”...said with a soft voice a long brown hair girl with brownish eyes in maid clothes. She pulled me into the bathtub and began washing my hair...I was a little uncomfortable because Noone has ever washed my hair except my mother. "Milady are you feeling uncomfortable“..asked the girl..

"Uhm no I'm ok ” I responded silently..you're so quiet milady usually I always thought that pretty girls like you are quite chatty..by the way I'm Lela and you're...“Ciana I replied I'm ciana and lela thank you for taking care of me“...

”Wait what don't thank me I'm just a maid doing my job nothing else"...I smiled lightly at her funny moments when she began look for a dress for me.

"Lela any dress will go for me“... Lela was surprised and asked me "Are you a princess from a Nobel family ”. "No I said I'm just an ordinary girl why did you ask“?

"Well you look beautiful and is very polite and The Duke brought you here himself...so you be his new mistress”. I was taken back new mistress no I can be. Lela dressed me up in a sky blue dressed let my hair fall down put some oil on my skin and some light lipstick. “Wow I told you“..said Lela, indeed I was beautiful when I stared in the mirror I couldn't recognize myself.

Walking down tons of alleys with lela in this big mansion was confusing...I saw alot of rooms and tons of maids with their different posts." We have arrived said lela” I was once again baffled by this luxurious living room. It was well decorated with gold and white stripes all over the place..

"I'll take my leave now milady “...before i could answer lela had abandon me in this room all alone. I was still contemplating on my thoughts when a cold husky voice said you look less shabby in these clothes”...

I turned and saw that man..this time he wasn't in black anymore and you could see his eyes that was only covered by a mask. He walked towards me majestically and his aura wasn't just intimidating it was making me nervous again.« What can you do»?

Uhm I...i can do anything you..want Duke Zain...I waited for the next question but all I heard was a «chuckle».."Interesting“ he said while observing me. You can do anything right...You are now under my rules and you are one of my maids..understand...«Ciana» saying that beside my earlobe..sending a strange shiver down my spine. He left the room, I was still standing there in dazed pondering about his deep strange voice.

"That's all he wanted..”? I thought...Milady..someone tapped me on my shoulder. What did the Duke say....Lela asked.....

"He said I was going to be one of his maids“...not his mistress as you predicted...

"That's great means I can finally have a roommate yay” lela joyful hugged me.

.........

Getting out of the masion, lela pulled me to another mansion that was a little far from the first mansion I was in. This mansion was different it was plain on the outside and as I was pulled inside..It was filled with alot of rooms everywhere and each room had a number. Lela climbed the staires and finally arrived at her room which was number 28.

"Welcome to my little cozy zone cia“ lela said while smiling at ciana so brightly. The room had one bed on the left and the another bed on the right, it wasn't big but was perfect for two people and it was simple but comfortable and cozy. «It's lovely» ciana said...

While getting comfy in lela's room, a middle aged woman walked into the room and stare at ciana then said"You from now on your going to live here and work here as well..take” Handing over a maid outfit to me "you going to wear this to work everyday“ then she walked out ..

"Lela please who was that?...I asked out of curiosity.."oh that the Madam of all the workers in this mansion..she's very stern when it comes to newbies”. "Ciana please don't worry okay“..Lela while reassuring me. I smiled and patted her shoulder she was so nice to me and I felt grateful for that.

After that lela gave something to eat since I got here and I had nothing in. I was more than willing to accept my new fate in this new stage of my life because I was puzzled, nervous and must of all still unsure if this was the right path...

But there was this other side of me still wanting to know why my life turn out this way but I had faith it going to turn out quite well

Unfortunately I was through my thoughts and didn't listen to the instructions that lela was giving me ...

"Ciana were you listening?..«smiles » Are you going to survive? ”Ofcourse I will Survive this” I said.

To be CONTINUED ^^

Hope you enjoyed it

I woke up feeling unusually refreshed for the first time in a long while. I took a bath, wore the simple blue dress Lea had ironed for me, and styled my hair up the way she showed me.

“This feeling is new,” I thought to myself. “Is it because I’m no longer locked away, or is it this strange, quiet peace inside me?”

“Ciana, breakfast is ready, dear!” Lea called from downstairs, her voice warm but hurried.

I rushed down and found the other maids already eating. The sun was beautifully golden that morning, casting light across the dining hall in soft streaks. For the first time, I noticed the beauty of this place—not just its size, but the warmth in its quiet corners.

“Sorry I’m late...” I said, a bit breathless.

Lea looked up and smiled, although her eyes hinted at slight stress. “It’s alright. Just eat quickly. Miss Aurora will be up soon, and we need to serve her on time.”

I sat beside her, quietly eating a piece of bread. After a moment, I leaned toward her. “Lea... Who exactly is Miss?”

Lea paused and shrugged lightly, sipping her tea. “You’ll find out soon. It’s better that way.”

After we finished eating, Lea moved quickly to warm the water while I arranged the tray as she showed me, placing the teapot, cups, and small pastries just as she liked. There was a rhythm to it, a quiet kind of care.

Then, we made our way into the main mansion. We climbed a grand staircase that curved like a ribbon and passed countless doors until we arrived at one that stood out—not just because it was large, but because it seemed to glow in the morning light.

“This is her room,” Lea whispered.

She knocked gently. A few seconds passed, then the door opened.

A woman stood before us who looked shockingly like Lea. Identical, in fact—except her presence was colder, her gaze sharper.

“You’re five minutes late. Lady Aurora’s tea is likely cold now,” the woman said, looking pointedly at the tray.

“I apologize,” Lea said calmly. “There was a small delay. It won’t happen again.”

Then the woman turned to me.

“Wait... You’re the one the Duke brought from the auction, aren’t you?” she said loudly, her words drawing the attention of the others in the room.

I froze. Before I could say anything, another voice, soft yet commanding, filled the space.

“Lily, mind your tone. I didn’t choose you as my personal maid to speak for me.”

Lady Aurora stepped into view like a painting brought to life. Her golden hair shimmered like sunlight itself, and her skin was pale and perfect. But it was her eyes—clear, ocean blue—that held me captive for a moment too long.

“Lady Aurora,” Lea said quickly, bowing her head, “forgive us for the delay.”

I bowed too, my heart pounding. I could feel Lady Aurora’s eyes settle on me, studying.

“So... this is what my Lord spent so much gold on?” she said softly, almost to herself. “What could you possibly be worth?”

The words stung, but I stayed silent, unsure whether to speak or disappear.

Lady Aurora turned and walked toward her bathing room. “Lily, prepare my bath. The rest of you, out. I don’t wish to be disturbed.”

As we were gently ushered out, I looked once more at the woman who had nearly the same face as Lea. Twin sister, I thought.

Lea and I walked silently down the long corridor. Her expression was unreadable for a while. Finally, she glanced at me.

“You’re alright?” she asked gently.

“I think so...” I replied, though my mind was full of thoughts I couldn’t voice yet.

“You must have many questions,” she said.

“I do.”

She smiled faintly, her steps slowing. “Lady Aurora... she is the Duke’s wife. In public, at least. She’s highly respected among the nobles, and her standards are... well, let’s just say she doesn’t settle for less than perfection.”

I hesitated before asking, “Was that... your twin sister?”

Lea chuckled softly. “Yes. That was Lily. We don’t talk much anymore. But that story’s for another time, alright?”

“Alright,” I nodded, even though curiosity buzzed inside me.

Lea turned serious again. “If there’s one thing I must tell you, Ciana—it’s this: Be cautious around Lady Aurora. She notices everything, and she never forgets.”

I swallowed hard. “I’ll be careful.”

The day moved quickly after that. Madam assigned me various tasks—polishing mirrors, sorting fabrics by texture, even arranging flowers by color tones. Every instruction mattered. Every detail had to be exact. It was as though this house ran on invisible threads of control and expectations.

By evening, I was exhausted. I stood in the courtyard, catching my breath under a fading sky when a tall figure stepped out from behind the archway. He was dressed in black, his silhouette sharp against the dusky light. His presence stopped time.

Lea turned, and I saw her expression shift instantly. “That’s him,” she whispered.

My heart began to race.

It was the Duke.

Chapter 3

The wind whispered through the mansion’s courtyard as the sky darkened into a gold-flecked dusk. The world fell still—as if holding its breath—for the arrival of the man no one dared to displease.

She straightened slowly, pressing her back against a column, broom in hand, trying to make herself invisible. The black carriage pulled to a smooth halt. Its crest—a coiling serpent strangling a sword—gleamed ominously in the twilight.

Tall, broad-shouldered, and utterly unreadable. His dark-lined coat swayed behind him like a shadow made flesh. Cold eyes, too calm—briefly scanned the courtyard before dismissing it all, including her.

But someone didn’t want to be dismissed.

“My Lord!” an angelic voice called out.

Lady Aurora descended the stairs with a trained grace, a vision of golden curls and crimson satin. Her smile was painted on, lips red like blood, her blue eyes brimming with performative warmth.

She rushed forward, the hem of her gown whispering across the stones as she reached for his arm. He didn’t even flinch as he stared blankly at her. Zain brushed past her without a glance, continuing up the stairs with the weight of an empire behind his every footstep.

The great doors opened, and he entered the mansion—alone with clicking footsteps of heels following behind.

Aurora caught up to him, not yet willing to surrender to his unfazed attitude he gave her earlier.

“My Duke,” she tried again, breathless but composed. “You must be weary from travel. Allow me to make you comfortable. Lily has prepared your suite. And if I may… perhaps you would enjoy being served by someone tonight?”

He stopped, the moonlight casting his shadow in long, sharp lines across the checkered floor.

“And who could that be?” He asked as he turned towards her direction to meet her gaze.

“Me! My Lord”.

Then a chuckled followed, as those words came out of her mouth, “Aurora I'm tired now, I need silence”. He coldly muttered to her face, then he walked away, his cloak brushing against her as if she didn’t exist.

“Why does he always act like this?” Lily whispered once he had disappeared up the stairs.

The young maid stood cautiously beside her mistress, holding a folded robe she knew wouldn’t be needed anymore. Her wide eyes flicked toward Aurora, hesitant. Aurora’s fingers clenched into the fabric of her gown, then slightly lift her chin to respond to her.

“You foolish little thing,” she hissed through a tight smile. “That is love, that silence, that disdain and that distance.” She turned to Lily, her expression perfectly composed but her eyes burning. “The more he ignores me, the more I matter to him. That’s how he shows his love—through dominance. Coldness is intimacy to us you could never understand ”.

Lily said nothing more, She bowed her head and quietly stepped back.

From behind the carved pillar, Ciana watched—unseen, but listening. Every word pierced her like quiet darts. Aurora’s words unsettled her and she wondered «if truly he also treats her coldly outside this mansion».

Her eyes flicked toward the stairs the Duke had taken. There was no warmth in his eyes earlier, no kindness and not even cruelty, Just… void of darkness. And yet, something about him stirred the same hollow space in her chest she’d locked away since the day she had became his property.

………..

The shift finally ended.

Ciana moved through the servant quarters, her shoulders aching, her feet blistered, and her mind… occupied with thought she couldn't even understand. She entered her shared room to find Lea already curled in bed, brushing her long brown hair in silence.

The warmth of the room was a welcome change to her once shady life. A small fire crackled gently, casting golden flickers on the stone wall, she gently got changed and untie her hair.

“You’re late.. wait let me help you,” Lea murmured while slowly brushing Ciana's hair.

“I had to polish the second corridor,” Ciana replied softly.

Lea smirked. “That place shines more than Aurora’s pride.”

They both laughed—briefly. Then silence returned, comfortable and tired.

As Ciana slowly drifted her thoughts somewhere else, she turned to face the ceiling, then spoke calmly. “Lea…”

“Hm?”

“Do you know anything about him?”

“The Duke?”

“Yes. They say he made a pact with darkness, that he drinks blood, that he murdered his own family. But no one says it to his face.”

“Wait are you serious?”. Ciana asked in utterly dismay, not quite understanding, if it was true.

“Ciana! I'm just kidding..gosh you are really not funny“. Lea sweetly scoffed off, she gently kept the brush and returned to her bed and cuddle in. She turned to Ciana's direction.

Then, softly, she replied, “Those stories... they're all lies. Or maybe half-truths, depends on who you ask. But the one I heard was different, They say he was the ninth son of the king,and wasn't really liked by his brothers, also it's said because he possessed unique qualities that the others couldn't have at his age that made him more of the outcast.

”What happened next?”, she mummered softly like wanting to know more.

“Then there's that one rumor, that's stuck with him for ever I guess, he was only 16 when he was given the task to lead 1000men to the battle fleid as their commander, to fight against 50,000men. According to the rumors he fought half of those men alone only using a sword to slaughter everyone of them. Some say that day he wasn't human but looked like a «Demon».

Ciana’s breath caught.

«Was that the real Duke Zain? Or just another illusion painted over a monster?»

Lea looked up the ceiling “Anyway, those are all just rumors, but I know he is a good man under, his cold attitude that he shows to everyone, but let me ask, Ciana why did you suddenly ask me about him huh?”

“Lea to be frank…I was jaut curious that's all” she smiled softly as she cuddles into her bedsheets.

“I hope so Ciana, because I really don't want you to start having a rough time here, when you just arrive. I want this place to be your new home…. okay?” Lea mummered softly as she doze off to sleep.

“It’s already my new home” Ciana said, she turned off the lights and told herself to stop thinking about it but this feeling she couldn't shake of all—why did she want to understand him?

The room fell quiet as sleep took hold of the servants. Outside, the night deepened, and the wind moaned gently through the tall windows of the eastern wing. Ciana’s chest slowly rose and fell under her thin blanket as she drifted into slumber.

But peace did not last long. Darkness swirled behind her closed lids, and then—She was there again ,That forest…

Twisted trees reached for the sky like broken fingers, their branches black against a blood-red moon. The ground pulsed with shadow as if the earth itself were breathing. In the distance, something called her name—but not in a voice. In a pull, a force. Ciana began to run, faster, deeper into the woods.

Her bare feet sank into damp soil. The cold wind whispered secrets she couldn’t understand, then the scene shifted, like it always did. The trees parted….And there he was.

A little boy tood beneath the dead tree at the heart of the dream. Cloaked in black ,his back was turned, but she knew the feeling well—it was him, the same figure from her dreams as a child. And behind him, the tree began to burn—crimson flames licking upward like a shadow crown.

Suddenly, everything turned to ash. The sky, the trees, her skin—and she woke up gasping.

Ciana at upright in bed, her hands trembling, her throat was dry, her heart thundered. Across the room, Lea snored softly, unaware of what had just happened. She looked down at her hands, they were cold.