Zei released his grip around Yasushi's neck, sending him tumbling onto the ground, gasping for air.

  Steadying his breath, he lifted his head and locked eyes on her. Kaname stood calmly, dressed in a white, loosely fitted laced frock, meeting his gaze across the space between them.

  Lei dragged in a partially naked woman behind her. A sack covered her head with ropes binding her wrists. Burns, lacerations and bruises mantled her body as dried blood stained on the insides of her pelvis, thighs and legs.

  At the sight of the newcomers, the crowd erupted in bloodthirsty cheers, vibrating the air around them.

  Zei rose from his throne, arms spreading wide in sarcastic jubilation.

  "Little one!!! Come here and sit on my lap! You're just in time for tonight's entertainment!”

  Kaname proceeded forward at his command, slowing her steps in hesitation as she drew closer to Yasushi, fixing her gaze on the dark bruises ringing his throat like a collar. He met her eyes and desperately shook his head, silently begging her not to comply.

  Miffed by her faltering, Zei's mocking hospitality evaporated. He smacked his palm against his forehead, glaring at her through splayed fingers.

  "Surely you've learned your lesson by now on what happens when you disobey me, little one."

  Yasushi's pulse hammered, seizing up his throat, registering the words. He broke his gaze, turning his head away from her.

  Lei drove his foot into the woman's spine, knocking her off balance. Savage roars filled the chamber as she crashed forward swaying the sack sideways, exposing glimpses of battered flesh underneath.

  Kaname's expression hardened, steeling her attention on Yasushi. Zei menacingly took a step toward her, malevolent energy radiating from his approach.

  "Don't make me repeat myself," he shouted, booming his voice across the cavern and pacifying the crowd.

  "COME... HERE... NOW!"

  She withdrew her attention walking past Yasushi and quickened her pace toward Zei. He settled back into his throne gently lifting her by the waist and placing her on top of his lap.

  "You're an absolute beauty for being so young. I can't blame the boy for being so smitten by you."

  Yasushi pushed himself upright, his fingertips massaging the tender flesh around his neck. Turning to face him, he clenched his fists at his sides, watching his hand caress her hair.

  Zei chortled at his murderous presence, dissolving the oppressive tension gripping the atmosphere. The crowd resumed their raucous activities, shifting their focus between Lei and the beaten woman

  “He thinks you’re going to be his one day. Once that happens, do you know what men do to women that are theirs’, little one?” he whispered, voice caulked with a disconcerting admiration.

  Kaname remained silent, unbothered by his question. He ran his fingers through her hair, twirling its tips, studying the nuances of her stricken expression.

  I can’t put my finger on it but… there’s something really off about this little girl.

  Kaname's eyes ensnared him, each passing second creeping unease through his confidence like poison.

  "Stop it, you sick bastard!" Yasushi yelled, his voice shattering the moment.

  Zei's focus smoothly glided away from Kaname to him, his lips spreading a devious smile. He raised his free hand and motioned to Lei without breaking eye contact.

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  Acknowledging the command, Lei shoved the woman toward the center. The horde gathered around her, bellowing in fervor while jostling for a better view. The flickering flames carved ghoulish faces from living rock, its torchlight illuminating the jagged stalactites above, creating an amphitheater of glittering malice.

  "Just so you know, I have no desires for children. Don't loop me in with those deranged idiots." he scoffed, reclining deeper into the seat while drawing Kaname closer. With an eerie indifference, he lifted his hand to his ear and dug his pinky finger inside.

  "But you definitely got one thing right!" He snickered, blowing away the ear debris. “I may be a sick bastard, but I'm a sick bastard that loves money HAHAHA!!!!"

  The crowd joined Zei's amusement, their collective mirth poisoning the already foul atmosphere. As his laughter died down, he looked at his finger and brushed the remnants onto his pants.

  "Stop worrying about stupid shit. I'm a businessman at the end of the day. Little one here, made me aaaallloottt of money. Her new owner requires her to be in mint condition.”

  His glance returned to Yasushi, drowning in his disdain.

  "As for you… I may like you kid, but if you raise your voice at me one more time, I’ll make sure you do a couple rounds at my favorite hotel in the redlight district. I know several customers who love breaking in little boys like you.”

  Yasushi's obstinate stare buckled at the threat, sending chills up his spine. Stepping aside, his shoulders sagged and jaws locked.

  Satisfaction gleamed in Zei's eyes witnessing his spirit bend. The corners of his mouth twitched upward, savoring the moment of control.

  "That's a good boy," he purred. "See how much easier things become when you listen?"

  He rested his hand on Kaname's head basking in his victory. "Lei! Remove the bag and let tonight's entertainment begin!"

  A deafening acclaim crumbled the stalactites and their wild cheers ricocheted off the cavern's walls. With a dramatic flourish, Lei grabbed the sack, yanking it away.

  Tears stung the corners of Yasushi's eyes recognizing the woman.

  NOOOO!!

  Etsuyo swayed on unsteady legs, her face bloodied and brutalized. The swelling distorted her features while her blackened eyes held a bolshie spark surveying the underground dwelling.

  Yasushi spun toward Zei and collapsed to his knees, bowing in full submission.

  "Please! I beg you! Please let her go. Please, don't do this!"

  "Do what? I didn't do anything." Zei snorted, rolling his eyes at the pathetic display. "You see, it's little one's fault here. She refused to be obedient, so I showed her what happens to bad girls."

  Cutting his eyes back downward, he shrugged. “She was fine after I was done with her… but she did have a little too much energy leftover. So I gave her to my minions and as you can see… they don’t really know how to treat a lady.”

  Hesitantly, Yasushi lifted his head, body trembling. Kaname looked down, eyes closed tilting her head away.

  Noticing her attempt to dissociate, Zei placed two fingers under her chin and swerved her head upward.

  “Aww, little one. Don’t do that. Open those beautiful eyes! Trust me when I say… you aren’t gonna want to miss this.”

  The chamber grew hostile and restless; the crowd's patience fraying like old rope. Voices clashed in heated arguments and bodies shoved against one another as their hunger for violence became palpable.

  Yasushi remained frozen on his knees, unable to summon the strength to rise. His breathing hollowed with silent anguish, preparing his mind reeled for the inevitable horror unfolding.

  Zei smiled observing his defeated state, drinking in every tremor of despair ."Now! Let's have some fun, shall we? Bring in the troll!"

  The command ignited the primal instincts brewing in the crowd. Wicked grins split their faces as the bloodlust transformed into masks of cruelty. Lei stepped back several paces, jamming two fingers between his lips.

  "Everyone! I was told that the woman you see before you was handpicked by the vile King Chika himself to protect these children..."

  A piercing whistle cut through the cavern's chaos, overriding even the most boisterous voices.

  Within seconds, new sounds added to the cacophony. Massive footfalls sent tremors through the solid rock, each step growing stronger, closer, until the walls vibrated with impending doom.

  "So, understandably she must have some capable strength, right?"

  Zei's mockery aroused waves of laughter colliding with the bone-rattling impacts.

  Etsuyo's demeanor stood firm, ignoring his taunt. She planted her feet against the trembling ground and hauled herself up, launching a glob of blood-tinged saliva at Lei's foot. Her brazen display lighting an electric thrill coursing through his body.

  "I hereby make a wager!"

  His face split into a sinister grin, voice rising through the mounting pandemonium.

  "Woman! If you defeat our pet troll… I'll release both you and the children.

  You'll have your lives...

  Your freedom...

  …the instant the creature is dead."