Chapter 1

In a mansion in the city's most exclusive district, an event for the underworld was underway. Onstage, a man in an elegant suit welcomed the guests settling into their seats.

The host opened the auction — but this was no ordinary auction. Two muscular men dragged a person onto the stage, wrists cuffed, a cloth bag over their head.

"To close tonight's proceedings, we have this premium item. The best of the evening — an omega whose beauty has turned heads on runways around the world." He gestured toward the figure at center stage.

The two men held their captive steady, though the person appeared remarkably calm compared to those who'd come before. One of them yanked the bag off, and a murmur of shock rippled through the crowd. That face was unmistakable — a stunning albino with violet eyes, famous as an international model.

"That's right, gentlemen. We've brought you the beautiful Velkan, and the highest bidder will have the privilege of having him at their disposal whenever they please," the host explained.

Whispers erupted through the audience. Among them, a striking young man with dark hair, dark eyes, and Asian features stared at the figure on stage in disbelief.

Velkan stood in silence, his expression blank. He didn't try to break free, didn't cry — as if he'd already accepted his fate. The bids started rolling in, climbing higher and higher. The young Asian man clenched his fists, calculating when to make his move.

He had to get Velkan out of there. He didn't know how the omega had ended up in these men's hands, but he couldn't let him fall to these degenerates.

"Hear that, little slut? Look how the bids keep climbing for you." The host smirked. "This is what you get for turning down my offer."

Days earlier, the man had attended a fashion show. He'd taken a liking to Velkan and offered him a considerable sum for a single night, but Velkan had refused and mocked him for thinking money could buy a few caresses.

Velkan remained composed despite the man's taunts.

"Doesn't matter who wins. Neither you nor he is leaving here alive," Velkan said.

"Who do you think you are, threatening me like that? You're just a bitch like every other omega," the host scoffed.

"Who am I?" Velkan asked. "Do the names Kovalenko and Von Thaden ring a bell?"

The host flinched. "W-what do those names have to do with anything?"

"Simple. My full name is Velkan Kovalenko Von Thaden." A sly smirk crossed his lips.

The host stumbled backward. The men holding Velkan did the same. The audience exchanged confused glances, falling silent as Velkan snapped the cuffs apart. In one swift motion, he snatched a gun from one of the muscular guards and shot both of them. They dropped. Security rushed in, and Velkan kept firing. The crowd scrambled from their seats. The young Asian man hadn't expected anything like this.

Velkan advanced toward the host. The man begged for mercy. Velkan pulled the trigger. The bodyguards of every man and woman in that room trained their weapons on the stage.

"Sorry, but I can't keep playing with you. I need to get home."

Just as the men were about to fire, soldiers burst from behind the stage curtains, weapons blazing. Velkan disappeared backstage.

While chaos tore through the mansion, Velkan walked toward a car. Someone grabbed his arm. The albino turned and froze at the sight of the person behind him.

"Velkan... are you okay?" the young Asian man asked.

"Let go of me."

Velkan wrenched his arm free and climbed into the nearest car. Without waiting for the man to say another word, he started the engine and sped away.

"Mr. Sasaki — hurry, we need to get out of here," his bodyguard urged.

The young man nodded and followed his men. Better to leave before the military spotted them too. The last thing he needed was his face on tomorrow's news, handcuffed.

Velkan's car rolled through the gates of a mansion. As he stepped out, the imposing estate loomed before him. The guard greeted him, and when he walked inside, only a few dim lights were on. It was the small hours of the morning — of course everyone was asleep. But the kitchen light was on, and when he entered, Seth was pouring himself water.

"You're back. Have you eaten? I can make something quick," the older albino offered.

"I'm fine, Dad. Long day. Got kidnapped, called Aunt Rowena, the whole place went to hell," Velkan replied.

Seth smiled. "What a day. Are you all right?"

"Yeah." He paused. "Dad... I saw him there. He's in the city."

Seth's brow furrowed, but he quickly softened his expression and ran his fingers through his son's hair.

"Whatever happens now, I'm here for you," he assured him.

Velkan nodded, and Seth walked toward the door with his son behind him.

"Did he give you trouble getting to sleep?" Velkan asked.

"He wanted to see you before bed, but sleep won out. Don't leave tomorrow without seeing him, okay?" Seth requested.

"I know."

Seth headed to his room, and Velkan opened the door to another. A lamp cast star and moon shadows across the ceiling. The room had shelves lined with stuffed animals and toys. In a small bed with blue sheets, a little dark-haired boy slept. Velkan stepped inside and sat on the edge of the bed, watching the child's sleeping face.

"I'm sorry," he murmured.

He left the room and went to his own, collapsing onto the bed. He closed his eyes, remembering the moment he'd seen that man. He never imagined he'd see him again — least of all in a place like that.

"Sasaki Hiro," he murmured. "Damn it."

Why did he have to show up again? At least now, Velkan was no longer the naive eighteen-year-old who let himself be fooled. He wasn't that gullible anymore — not after five years.

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