Her body was porcelain, beautifully sculpted, and curvaceous. A true masterpiece, captivating every lord's attention to the point where they were unable to tear their gaze away.

They licked their lips hungrily, their minds consumed by fantasies of what they desired to do with her enticing body.

Vladya understood their struggle.

He had to clench his fists tightly to resist the temptation to grab her when she undressed. Worst of all, he had fought against his own primal instincts—his beast.

Ever since the events of five centuries ago, his beast had remained dormant in many ways. After he lost his soul, he felt a detachment from his inner animal.

Lust no longer held any sway over the beast within him. Vladya could take females to his bed whenever he pleased, but his beast remained indifferent, unconcerned.

Until tonight, when Aekeira disrobed.

"Dear Ukrae, that feels good," Grand Lord Zaiper's pleasure-filled groans reached Vladya's ears. Followed by Aekeira's whimper.

"Vladya?" Grand Lord Ottai called, looking at him with concern.

It was then that Vladya realized he had ceased writing and had begun growling.

"Is something the matter?" Ottai inquired.

Ignoring him, Vladya resumed his writing.

"Do you know your eyes have changed?" Ottai pressed on.

If the scroll that now appeared dark-yellow instead of its original light-brown hue was any indication, then yes, Vladya was undoubtedly aware.

"Your beast is close to the surface. Is there a problem?"

"I am fine," Vladya said through gritted teeth, refusing to spare Ottai even a glance.

Internally, he battled to calm both himself and his inner beast.What in the name of Ukrae was wrong with him?

"Just so you know, work can wait," Ottai continued, undeterred. "Though I disagree with Zaiper, the ceremony is still taking place, and there is nothing left to do but enjoy the occasion. You should join in the festivities. Once this banquet is over, I'm pouncing on Rina at the first opportunity. I can hardly wait to return home."

Ottai's smile held a hint of amusement as he mentioned his bondmate. He then fixed Vladya with an expectant gaze. "You might as well have some fun too. Choose any slave you desire and let go of whatever is troubling you."

If only it were that simple. Still, Ottai had a point. Vladya might as well enjoy the banquet. Why deny himself what he desired when it was within his reach?

Thus, he rolled up the parchment, handed it to a nearby soldier, and rose from his throne. "You are indeed right, Lord Ottai."

His friend grinned. "I always am."

Vladya descended from the podium, but instead of joining the throng of slaves still on display, he made his way toward the round table.

I wish to strip for you. I wish to strip for you. Iwishtostripforyou Iwishtostripforyou Iwish—

He growled, the ugly feeling coursing through him intensifying.

The lords who had been fondling Aekeira withdrew their hands to create a space for him.

Why deny himself when the female he wanted to punish was right there within his grasp?

Chapter twenty-four

NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE

All the hands that had been hurting Aekeira suddenly stopped.