I blushed, wondering if my distaste for Edward was that evident. I needed to work on my neutral expression. Yet my blush was not just from embarrassment; the naive hope of being valued beyond my looks stirred within me—a foolish girl’s dream. I knew better, but a part of me clung to the hope of being seen as more than just an object.
As the song ended, we faced each other once more. His eyes roamed over me with the steady intensity of a raging hearth, peeling back the layers of my carefully placed mask.
“I quite enjoyed this conversation. I think you would be a great addition to my family, Estrella. What do you think?”
His question caught me off guard. I hadn’t expected to be asked, and deep down, I knew I didn’t truly have a say in who bought me. Yet his expression was sincere, as if he genuinely wanted me to have a choice. That sincerity meant more to me than any compliment or gesture ever could. Before I could second-guess myself, I blurted out my answer.
“Yes.”
His lips curved into a dark smile. “I look forward to seeing you soon, Estrella.”
He took my hand and tenderly kissed my knuckles. Without a farewell, he stepped into the surrounding darkness as though he had never been here, leaving me feeling bare and exposed as the surrounding auras came crashing down on me once more.
I was so absorbed in the void he left behind that I barely noticed the music and dancing around me gradually coming to a halt. It took me a moment to shake off my daze and understand why.
Across the room, a dais with a single throne stood prominently, made of solid smoky quartz, rounded spires erupting from its back. Roman ascended it as if born for the spotlight, causing my stomach to drop.
A count.No wonder he laughed.
“Welcome, all, to my home,” he announced. His silky voice washed over the room, demanding the attention of all beneath him. Massive onyx wings, characteristic of the Koraki House, unfurled behind him. My knees wobbled. I was a fool.
“Thank you all for attending tonight. I extend a special welcome to the Kulta family acolytes, who came out tonight just for us. While I’m sure we’ve enjoyed their company, it is now time for the main event.”
He paced the platform’s edge, completely at ease under the spotlight. “It is refreshing to see us gathered like this. Centuries ago, before my grandfather’s rule, vampires would tear each other apart for the chance to continue their lineage with an acolyte. That we stand here tonight, civil and enjoying the company of these beautiful ladies, speaks volumes about the enduring Koraki legacy.” As he spoke, his wings shifted subtly, and his expression darkened.
“I am honored to continue this legacy tonight by starting the bidding for the beautiful Estrella.” Roman gestured toward me with a fanged smile, eliciting a hushed whisper from the crowd. Numberswere stamped on our hands beneath the Kulta brand, ensuring vampires didn’t need to call us by name. Again, his behavior was strange.
My legs moved of their own accord, bringing me within a few paces of the dais. Had I been more alert, I might have noticed the crowd parting around me with wide eyes, wary of approaching what the tsar had claimed. Roman didn’t need to state a price; his declaration that I was his was enough to instill fear.
I paid no heed to anyone else. Instead, my focus was entirely on the dark, handsome man towering above me, just as he would for the rest of my life. His ruby eyes locked onto mine, lips curling into a dark smile as he winked at me.
What had I done?
Chapter 2
ESTRELLA
“Estrella, please tell me we won’t have any issues here.”
“Of course not, Headmaster. I look forward to honoring the Kulta family.” I kept my gaze fixed on the desk, knowing better than to meet Matei’s eyes directly. Like an angered dog, it was wise to avoid his glare.
My uncle Matei was an imposing, brutal man. His muscular frame was built for inflicting pain, and his heart was tainted with greed. The Kulta family had certainly chosen the right man for headmaster; he ruled the family stock with an iron fist. Little girls from our bloodline were brought in as young as three and shaped into perfect slaves by the man across from me. I thought he would be pleased to sell an acolyte to the tsar, but instead, he still harbored disgust for my very existence.
I guess my multiple escape attempts weren’t so readily forgotten.
Matei leaned forward, planting his elbows on the desk. “I shouldn’t have to say this, but if you embarrass this family before our tsar, you’ll spend the rest of your life regretting it. Do you understand, acolyte?”
Even though he chose our names, Matei refused to use them. That would humanize us—something he vehemently opposed. I shuddered. “I wouldn’t dare.”
“Sir,” Matei snapped, causing me to flinch.
“I’m sorry, sir,” I corrected quickly.
“Starting tomorrow morning, you and I will have one-on-one sessions. I will make you worthy of our ruler.” Meaning he’d mold me into a perfect slave, even if he had to break me into a million pieces to do it.
“Get out.” He waved his hand dismissively. I willed myself to my feet.
“Oh, and Estrella?”
