CHAPTER 110: THE DEVIL’S GAME!

The trumpets blared again, long and sharp, cutting through the air before silence fell like a heavy curtain over the Vortellion estate. The crowd held its breath, their anticipation was almost like a living thing.

A single masked man stepped forward onto the stage, his presence commanding. His mask was carved with a permanent smile, grotesque and mocking, his robe embroidered in gold. He raised his arms, and the crowd answered with deafening cheers, their voices shaking the arena.

"Lords and Ladies!" His slick and theatrical voice slid out effortlessly as it dripped with showmanship. "Welcome to the grand Vortellion Game!"

The stands erupted with noise, nobles stomping their feet repeatedly. Some waved jewelled fans, others tossed coins into the air, their excitement a feverish wave. The noise grated against Rin’s ears, each cheer felt like a dagger twisting in his chest.

He leaned back in his VIP seat, crimson eyes half-lidded, his hand curling into a fist on his lap, the black silk of his robe pooling around him like a shadow.

’So this is what they call entertainment...?’

He’d read about the Vortellion Game in the book, but words on a page were nothing compared to this... the stink of sweat and wine, the roaring crowd, the greedy eyes shining as if they were watching beasts instead of people. His stomach churned, a mix of anger and disgust rising like bile.

The host spread his arms again, his voice booming. "Today, we are honoured by many distinguished guests! Even our esteemed Duke Vortellion himself!"

The crowd erupted anew, their cheers louder, wilder. Rin’s gaze drifted across the arena, toward the opposite side, where a high seat trimmed with gold stood like a throne.

There sat Evan Vortellion, his posture relaxed, one leg crossed over the other, an expensive glass of crimson wine turning lazily in his hand. He looked every inch the calm ruler of this bloody circus, his sharp features unreadable, his presence a quiet storm.

Rin’s chest tightened, his crimson eyes narrowing into blades as he glared across the distance. He hated him... hated the way Evan sat so composed, so untouchable, while lives were about to be ruined for sport.

As if sensing the weight of Rin’s gaze, Evan turned his head. For a brief, sharp moment, their eyes met across the arena... father and son, though Evan didn’t know whose crimson eyes he’d captured. Rin froze, his heart thumping hard, betraying the calm mask he wore. Quickly, he looked away, clenching his jaw, his fingers digging into his palm.

"Calm down," Lirien murmured beside him, puffing smoke from her pipe, her eyes never leaving Evan. "The worst hasn’t started yet."

Rin exhaled slowly, his knuckles white, his voice low. "It’s already bad enough."

Lirien glanced at him, her sharp eyes softening for a moment. "I know. But you need to stay steady. If you lose it now, you won’t make it through the day."

Rin nodded, forcing his breathing to slow, though the anger still simmered in his chest. "I’m fine," he said, his voice tight. "Just... keep an eye on that bastard. If he moves, tell me."

Lirien puffed her pipe, her expression grim. "I’ve got you."

The host’s voice rose again, cutting through the tension. "Bring them out!"

A massive iron door creaked open, chains rattling as it swung wide, the sound echoing like a death knell. The air shifted, thick with fear and uncertainty, as dozens of omegas stumbled out from the darkness. Men and women, young and trembling, some barefoot, some barely clothed, their faces pale with dread. They gathered in the centre of the arena, blinking under the harsh sunlight, confusion and fear written in their wide eyes.

The crowd laughed, a cruel, mocking sound. Some nobles pointed and jeered, others shouted vulgar offers before the game had even begun, their voices dripping with entitlement.

Rin’s stomach twisted, his nails digging into his palm until he felt the sting of blood. Disgusting. All of them. Monsters in silk clothing. He shut his eyes briefly, inhaling through his nose, exhaling softly through his mouth.

He ignored the faint warmth of blood seeping from his palm, focusing on the steady rhythm of his breath to keep himself grounded.

The host’s voice cut through again, sharp and gleeful. "But today, my Lords and Ladies, we have something special! For the first time in years, His Grace has allowed an auction after the game! The strongest omegas, the prettiest omegas... You can claim them, not only in the forest but in your own houses! A night, a month, a lifetime! Place your bids after the hunt!"

The stands erupted, nobles clapping wildly, some whistling, their voices blending into a storm of greed. Coins clinked, wine glasses raised, as they celebrated the chance to own another human being. Rin’s throat burned, his fists trembling. He forced himself to stay still, his veil hiding the fury in his eyes.

"And now!" the host cried, his voice rising to a fever pitch. "You know the rules! Omegas... when the bell rings, you run. You run into the forest. You hide. You bury yourselves if you must. Because five minutes later, the gates will open..." His voice dropped, dark and hungry. "And the alphas will come for you."

The crowd roared with laughter and anticipation, their excitement a sickening wave. Rin’s chest constricted, his breath shallow. He’d thought he’d prepared himself for this, but seeing it was different—watching these omegas, scared and helpless, lined up like lambs for slaughter, dressed up as sport. It was worse than anything he’d imagined.

The bell chimed, sharp and final.

The omegas screamed, scattering like leaves in a storm, rushing toward the treeline. Some tripped over each other in their desperation, others crawled, digging shallow holes with bare hands, covering themselves with leaves to hide their pheromones. A young woman stumbled, her ankle twisting, and she fell to her knees, sobbing as she scrambled to keep moving.

The crowd leaned forward in their seats, their eyes gleaming like wolves picking their prey. They pointed and whispered, betting on who would last, who would break first, their voices a cruel chorus. Rin couldn’t tear his eyes away, his chest aching with every scream, every desperate movement.

Five minutes passed, each second dragging like an eternity.

The host lifted his hand, his voice booming. "Release them!"