Sold

Laura was dragged to the auction stage, her heart racing with fear. The auctioneer, a tall, thin man with a sly grin, grasped her arm and pulled her forward.

"Behold, gentlemen!" he shouted. "A rare beauty, with curves that will drive you wild!"

The crowd erupted into cheers and catcalls, their eyes devouring Laura's body. She felt a wave of shame and horror wash over her.

"100 coins for this lovely creature!" someone shouted.

"150!" another voice countered.

The bidding continued, with Laura's price rising higher and higher. She felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes as she realized she was being sold like a piece of meat.

The auctioneer's voice grew louder, more excited. "200 coins! Do I hear 200 coins for this beautiful slave?"

Laura's mind raced with terror. She knew she was about to be sold into a life of sexual servitude. She thought of Sophia's warning, and her heart sank.

Just as the bidding reached its fever pitch, a voice boomed from the back of the room.

"300 coins!"

The crowd fell silent, turning to see who had made the bid. Laura's eyes followed theirs, and she saw a tall, imposing figure emerge from the shadows.

The Duke.

The Duke's voice echoed through the room, his presence commanding attention. He strode forward, his eyes fixed on Laura, and the crowd parted to let him through.

"300 coins," he repeated, his voice firm.

The auctioneer nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Sold to the Duke for 300 coins!"

Laura felt a surge of despair wash over her. She was now the property of the Duke, a man she knew nothing about.

As the Duke approached her, Laura saw the glint of gold in his eyes. He reached out and grasped her chin, his fingers cold and unforgiving.

"You are mine now," he said, his voice low and husky.

Laura felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew she was in grave danger.

The Duke turned to the auctioneer. "Take her to my estate. I will collect her later."

And with that, Laura was dragged away, her fate sealed