Part 2 # Unknown Desire

"How was last night, sir? Did you enjoy it?" Venn asked, another prisoner present in Leon's mansion. The difference was that this prisoner now referred to herself as the master's favorite concubine, unlike Arren, who had not yet gained recognition.

"Not bad. She's very sweet and smells like roses," Leon said, enjoying Venn's massage. The man felt tired after spending the night and fighting together in his new lady's chamber.

"Okay ..."

As if understanding her lover's turbulent feelings, Venn pretended to be happy. Half of her heart was wounded, though no blood was spilled. Venn couldn't accept that Leon admired the new girl in his domain so much.

"Do you want a second round, sir?" Venn teased, undressing entirely. Matured Venn, of course, had different skills compared to the still unrecognized Arren. They were two women of different levels.

"No. Just a massage; I'm quite tired from last night, battling with the wildcat," Leon refused, smiling unusually.

Venn was surprised. She wasn't used to rejection, especially since, just yesterday afternoon, she had given Leon a special treatment as a birthday gift. Who would have thought that Leon had other plans beyond her knowledge?

Venn canceled her carefully planned seduction.

"All right," Venn said, putting her dress back on. She resumed massaging Leon skillfully to relieve his fatigue. This time, her massage was firmer, reflecting the anger brewing within her.

'Arren, I haven't met you yet, but I already despise you. Wait! You won't escape my grasp!'

***

The next night arrived. Arren, who had just received treatment, lay weak in her bed.

"How is she? Is she dead?" Leon asked his personal doctor.

"No, sir. She's fine, but ..." the doctor hesitated.

"Tell me. What is it?" Leon asked, observing Arren who slept like a baby.

"I found some old bruises. It seems she's been beaten frequently," the doctor continued.

Leon was shocked. Even though he had hurt Arren as well, there was a disturbance in his heart upon hearing the doctor's words.

"Has Arren been abused by her father all this time? Or has she been frequently beaten by her employer?" Leon mumbled, lacking an answer.

He ruffled his hair, staring deeply at Arren. Suddenly, a sympathetic feeling pierced his heart. Yet, Leon dismissed it as mere pity for a girl abandoned by her own father.

"Enhance her care, Doctor. Regardless of the cost of the medicine, I don't care. I want this woman to recover," Leon said firmly, gazing directly at the doctor.

"Very well, sir. I'll do my best. Tomorrow, I'll buy a renowned ointment from a healer to eliminate her bruises," the doctor responded.

"Yes."

"If a surgical procedure is necessary, I will inform you," the doctor added.

"Fine, do as you see fit," Leon said, appearing attentive. He didn't expect the captive he brought to be so troublesome.

Was Leon suddenly sympathizing with her? Or was it just a form of obsessive dominance? He couldn't understand it.

Leon had lived without emotions for a long time, and cruelty was all that resided in his heart. His life principle was simple: kill or be killed. Since his mother's death, Leon lived without mercy.

Leon, raised with intrigue and cruelty, transformed into a monster who even ruthlessly took his own father's life. However, it wasn't without reason. Leon's family was complex and full of revenge.

"Hmm... why hasn't she regained consciousness?"

After letting Arren rest for a day, Leon returned to her room. Her appearance had truly changed. Arren, who was once unkempt and neglected, now resembled an angel.

The doctor and servants provided maximal care. Arren's face, previously covered in street dust, now shone like marble. Leon realized that the captive he had redeemed was flawless.

"It wasn't in vain that I redeemed her at a high price."

Still, Leon felt something different. Something unfamiliar infiltrated his body. What was this? Why did his dominant aura change to sympathy?

"Um..."

Arren's voice broke his confusion. Leon cleared his throat, pretending not to notice.

The girl opened her eyes. This time, the bright light hurt her blue irises. Once again, Arren narrowed her gaze and scanned her surroundings. The same room. But who was the handsome man in front of her?

"Y-you!"