“Excuse me?” I was in a state similar to taken aback, but not really, but also truly.


    “What if I say no?”


    “Then, I guess, I just have to come to work like usual.”


    “Do you know what we call someone like you?” he paused, staring into my eyes, “honest to a fault.”


    “Thank you?”


    “That was not a compliment here.”


    “Ah! Was that an insult? But, I don’t really feel insulted hearing that.”


    “You don’t really suit N109 Zone. Where were you from?”


    “A small country called Yutalana. You might have never heard about it before. It was not really a prominent country.”


    “How come you are so sure I have not heard about it before?”


    Of course you don’t! That was my country in the real world! And when I was doing some background check, there was not a country in this world with the same name as mine. I was quite shocked with the information, to be honest.


    “Because it’s a small country with no riches and no development that could be an attraction. I doubt you could spare a moment in a place with nothing to see and nothing to gain.”


    “Impressive. You managed to entice my interest. Shall we go to see your hometown?”


    “Will you? Will you truly spent time with me going to my hometown?”


    “You should considered yourself lucky. I do not have time to spare on someone else.”


    Someone else. Yes. That’s right. I am just ‘someone else’ to him. Of course. I knew it, but it still hurt. Make me wonder what actually happened between him and main character in the past. How was it that she managed to left such deep feelings in his heart.


    “What about my vacation?”


    “Your paid leave had been approved. Now, leave,” he said as he waved his hand.


    With nothing else on my mind, I roamed around the city aimlessly on my scooter. The wind that blew my face was not as refreshing as one could imagine. Due to the N109 Zone weathers apparently.


    I missed the blue sky, the light wave of the sea, and the feeling of sand beneath my feet. A scenery that could not be seen in this city. A scenery that will sure calmed one soul and mind. Well, at least, my soul and my mind.


    Being mindless was one thing, but mindlessly wandering in the city full of trickery was another. I should had known better not to roam around especially in N109 Zone. Now, what to do? I’m lost.


    I’m too scared to ask around. The people near me does not seem to be the least friendly at all. It was not my intention to judge based on their appearance. I just, judged them based on the fact this was N109 Zone. Let me repeat, this, here, was N109 Zone.


    I could already felt some people were gawking right at my back. I don’t even dare to stop anywhere. Too scary. Right just when I thought that, a beam of light probing into my eyes.


    The radiant lights robbed my vision, resulting to an accident. Before I fell with my scooter, fortunately, I managed to dodge to the side. At least, I knew I did not crashed with another vehicle.


    My whole body was aching in pain. I could felt my right leg was being crushed down by my scooter. There was a tingling pain on my skin, especially on my palm. I tried to take a look on my hand, yet my mind was fuzzy and my head felt so heavy. I could hear people’s voice, yet it felt so distant with the ringing in my ears.


    Footsteps. Yes, I could hear footsteps. My mind was between conscious and unconscious. Was it a dream, or was it real. Suddenly, my right legs which I felt so heavy to lift, become lighter again. And my body was floating in the air. Or, was I being carried?


    I bit my tongue, trying to regain my composure. Not sure where I learn that, but it work for me. I’m in a car. Lying on the passenger seat. Two men, one bald, another with buzz cut, was in the front seat.


    They don’t even bother to tie me up. Well, I could understood why. I don’t have any energy left to move around. My pain threshold had always been low. Not something I was proud of.


    “Ah. You’re awake already?” the man with buzz cut quipped, as he looked at me through the front mirror while driving.


    “She’s awake?” the bald man said, twisting his head, meeting with my eyes. He scoffed, “thought you’ll get knocked out. Quite a strong lady, aren’t you?”


    Ah… I wondered if anyone will noticed I’m missing. Mira won’t be back until next week. Must this happen right after I got my paid leave?


    ***


    When it comes to clothing preferences, I would said I prefer baggy and loose clothes that was not revealing and modest in look. Which was why I felt incredibly exposed with the clothes they had put on me.


    “Not one in here haven’t heard of the name Sylus. Now, I would like to present to all honorable guest, the young lover of the leader of Onychinus!” the auctioneer spoke with a loud convincing voice, even though he spoke nothing but lies.


    “Is that true?”


    “Oh! She had those eyes, just like the rumors.”


    “Maybe it’s really her?”


    “She’s just like the rumors.”


    “Not bad.”


    The murmuring kept getting louder and their gaze becoming intense as the time passed. I could not believed how easily these people ate the word of this fraudulent host. Although I do wonder what was the rumors they were talking about.


    “Her milky white skin, smooth and fragrant brown hair would surely be the perfect decoration by your side. Not to mention, her enchanting eyes that will sucked you in as you gaze into it, would give you the shiver as one you would when you reached the climax.”


    This guy was definitely crazy. Look how he introduced his product, which was me. How ridiculous. Does he thought people would fall for his word? It was too cringed, too corny. If only my mouth were not taped, I would barfed already.


    “We shall start the bid with 50,000 gold,” the host announced with a smile full of anticipation.


    Was he crazy? I repeatedly screamed in my heart. Not only did he lied about me being Sylus lover, he also put too much price on me. Wait! Was it too much or was it too little? I can’t really said.


    “02, 55,000”


    “45, 60,000”Stolen story; please report.


    “31, 65,000”


    “96, 70,000”


    The host excitedly broadcasting bidder by bidder as the prices kept rising. His eyes shone with greed.


    “75, 90,000!”


    “45, 100,000!”


    “Oh! What is this? 65, 1,000,000!”


    A man holding out something similar to a paddle, or was it a picket, with number 65 written on it, stared at me with a deep questioning gaze. His face was unknown as he wore a blue masquerade mask that covered his whole face.


    “1,000,000 going once… going twice…,” he paused, and looked around the people murmuring, “…sold! Congratulations to bidder 65. You may claimed the product after the auction.”


    What was another word that I could used other than ‘crazy’? Do tell me. This guy was a nut job. I could not comprehended his reasoning for throwing away 1,000,000 just for a person. Just for this little me. Was the idea snatching away Sylus lover that tempting for him?


    “Next item, protocore—”


    Two guard came and brought me to a room. Lavishly decorated room with an incense smoke wafting through the air. They handcuffed my hand to the bed pole and had me sat on the soft fluffy bed for hours. I was not sure how many hours passed but the tiredness made my mind drifted into the dreamland.


    When I came to consciousness, I was in a room, different from the one the two guard put me in previously. An enlightenment came to my mind, on the fact that the incense I have been inhaling was sleep inducing. I should have known better that my opinion does not matter to these people.


    A knock came to the door. Around three women came in, along with a man, probably in his thirtieth. He glanced me upside down, and turned toward the women, said, “clean her, then send her to my room.”


    “Why do I have to go to your room?” I raised my voice before he left the room, forcing him to turn his attention to me.


    “Why else?” he scoffed while shrugging his shoulders, said, “not to play chess, that for sure.”


    “I refuse to.”


    “What make you think you have a say?” he muttered as he slowly walked closer, grabbing my hair, and pulling it backward, “I bought you. You’re mine.”


    Resistance was futile. I knew, yet I plunged my nails into his arm that was clutching on my hair. It was a good thing I forgot to trim my nails.


    “You!” he winced in pain as he released his grip. Would he be kind enough to let me be? No. His hand quickly grabbed my neck, and he pushed me down on the bed. Strangling me down with his legs suppressing my lower body from moving, and his other hand holding down my arms.


    “You think Sylus could help you? What to do? No matter how much intel he had, he would never be able to track you down. Do you think he was the only powerful person in the city? He only managed to keep his head up because I was too lazy to be bothered by mundane affairs.”


    The pain from the accident two days ago still have not healed properly, and now I had to prepare to receive another injury. What luck am I having?


    “Mister. I think you misunderstanding something here…” I said, struggling to free myself.


    At least my neck was safe for now, I added, “Sylus won’t even be bothered to save me. I was quite amazed that all of you stupid people would believed what the auctioneer said about me being his lover, when all I am was a cleaner. I guess, your boasting was all bark no bite.”


    Question. What happened when you agitated a violent person? Answer. You will received gift either by their hand or their feet.


    ‘Smack’


    In a blink of an eyes, I felt a sudden throbbed of pain on my cheek. The tingling heat boiled my heart. If only I could tear this piece of junk into pieces.


    “You better be on your best behavior!” he shouted as he let go of his grip on my neck and stormed out of the room.


    The three women did not wait on me and exited the room as well. I wondered if he would met with the auctioneer to have some nice talk, resolving the misunderstanding. Either way, I felt pretty good letting it all out rather than staying silent. Although that earned me a slap on my face.


    “I missed him already…” mumbling alone like a pathetic I am.


    My whole body was begging to rest. However, my mind was as clear as the blue sky, convincing me to get out of here. After I got out, I will get all the rest my body deserved, I promised.


    Inhale, exhale. With the remaining strength, I rose from the bed and roamed around the room, looking for anything that I could used. I turned to the balcony, attempting to open the window, yet failed miserably.


    “Should I just break it?” I pondered for second, shaking my head, “no, no… I would only attracted their attention by doing so.”


    Usually, in a moment like this, either the male lead will came to the rescue or the protagonist would somehow found a way or secret door to escape. Guess that only happened in story.


    Giving up the window, I trotted to the door instead, twisting the knob. “Oh! They didn’t lock the door. What a waste of time!” I gritted my teeth cursing my foolish behavior minutes ago.


    I took a peek on the hallway outside of the room, browsing through the wall and ceiling. There were surveillance camera in every corner. I clicked my tongue. “Can’t they make it easier for me?”


    “Look at that area!”


    “This way! This way!”


    My ears perked up at the sudden uproar. “A break in?” I guessed. Sensing the perfect opportunity, I sneaked out from the room. Not really sneaking out, more like, brazenly walked out of the room considering there was no one monitoring my movement.


    I gave my gratitude to whoever it was that managed to turn the whole mansion upside down. Even when I leisurely strolling through the hallway, no one paid any attention. The guards were busy catching the intruders.


    “Search that area!”


    Just when I had that peaceful thought, the sound of the guards marching closer alarmed me into hiding. I went into what I thought an empty room, only to be greeted by a man cupping my mouth.


    “Shh. I won’t do anything if you keep quiet,” he whispered, putting his forefinger to his lips.


    Do I even had any choice? I nodded regardless. He slowly let go of his grasped and locked the door.


    “A worker from this mansion?” he said, with his arms crossed before his chest.


    I shook my head. “No. I was taken against my will and served to that trash.”


    “Do you want to escape from here?”


    “I am trying.”


    He went silent upon hearing my response, deep in thought. The awkwardness in the air almost choked me to death.


    “You… by yourself?” I said, breaking the silence.


    “Um,” he nodded.


    “How did you managed to break in?”


    “I have my way.”


    “You think you can bring both of us out?”


    “You want my help?”


    “Of course I need some help. I’m practically risking myself just having the thought of escaping. Can you help?”


    He went silent again, seemingly brooding over my request. There was nothing I could offer and I was in too much pain to even thought of crying or begging in tears for help. Although I might seem insincere, I still had to shamelessly asked for his help.


    “I will help you, only once,” he extended his hand as he spoke.


    “One time is all I need,” I grabbed the hand that he offered and was pulled closer to his side.


    “Close your eyes.”


    Following his instruction, I closed my eyes. It was a weird experience. Even through my closed eyes, I saw a glimmer of light.


    “You can open your eyes now.”


    Even though I knew I was not supposed to be surprise anymore, I still, was taken aback. Just a moment ago, we were in that dark room, and in a blink of an eyes, we already in an open area. Turning to my left and right, I could no longer saw any mansion.


    “Where are we?”


    “Somewhere close to the Nest,” the man replied while fixing his cap.


    I was unable to see him properly while in the room because of the lack of any lighting as support to my eyes. Now that I saw him clearly under the moon light, he seem familiar. At least, his hair seem familiar. His face was hidden beneath the cap as he kept his head down.


    “Well. I guess this is it…” I bowed as a gesture of gratitude, “thank you. Without your help, I doubt I could make a run for it safely. I had nothing on me to give as my gratitude, however, I promised, if you need help in the future, come to me.”


    “It’s okay.”


    “A man of few words, I see.” He stood there silently, with no response. I guess that was my cue, and said, “well, then, I’ll get going. If you need anything in N109 Zone, find me in Nerra street. I goes by the name—”


    “Alissa?”


    “Yes, yes! That’s my n—” I just realized whose voice was it that uttered my name. I turned around and saw his face with a strange curiosity gleamed in his astonished eyes.


    “Oh! It’s Alice!”


    “What are you doing in this area?”


    Luke and Kieran interjected. They emerged from his back, waving their blood stained hand toward me.


    “Fancy meeting you here. Enjoying your vacation?” Sylus commented, with a little grin on his face.


    “I…”


    What should I answered? I got into accident, got abducted by human trafficker who end up selling me to one of your rival, almost got laid, but managed to escape with the help of a capable stranger. Was that the right answer?


    “Your friend?” he beckoned to the man who was hidden behind me. Not totally hidden, cause they could still saw his silhouette.


    “Ah… No. We just met today. I was about to go back home.”


    He narrowed his eyes gazing intensely toward the man, when suddenly a gush of wind swooped his cap off. His silver hair shone bright under the moonlight. His blue eyes were cold yet there was still a faint of lingering warmth.


    I don’t know when Sylus was there, but there he was, holding a fancy looking gun before the man’s forehead. “A hunter, I see,” he mumbled, with a hint of annoyance hidden beneath the amusement.


    A glowing light flared through his hand where a fine looking sword emerged from nowhere. He held his sword against Sylus’s neck.


    I knew this man, without a doubt. It was him. “Xavier?” I mumbled under my breath as I wonder why would someone who should be in Lincoln City stood here, not far away from me.


    They exchanged a greeting in a violent form, full of murderous intent with an intensity that took away my breath. My stamina was already low after what happened in the past few days, and I felt it depleted even more just watching their fight.


    Xavier leaped forward baring his sword toward Sylus. Unable to stand the pressure, I jumped right before Xavier, with my arms wide open, in a protecting stance in front of Sylus. He halted right before his sword penetrate into my body. Xavier’s eyes met mine.


    “He is the leader of Onychinus,” he sternly said, as if I did not knew it before.


    “I know,” I replied without batting an eyes. In an instant, I could felt something hard pressed on the back of my head.


    “How funny,” Sylus quipped in disbelief, “are you… trying to protect me?”