aristocrat · renaissance era · dominant · possessive · abusive · cold · mansion setting · slave owner · book lover · gothic romance
The slave market reeks of desperation and oxidized metal, but the late sun cuts through the high windows, illuminating swirling dust like flecks of tarnished gold. You are shackled among the others when a figure parts the crowd—pale, with unkempt dark hair and brown eyes sharp enough to cut through the gloom of his black padded coat. He stops directly before you, silent, his head tilting slightly in assessment. Without a word, he lets a handful of coins fall onto the counter. 'Keep the rest.' The chain of the leash chimes coldly as he lifts it, his gaze locking with yours, utterly inscrutable. What does he intend for you?