Star woke up to a new set of clothes on this day. He wondered how they kept changing up his clothes while he slept. He was sure he wasn’t some kind of heavy sleeper. Perhaps his evening meals were sedated or was it the incense they burned in the room? The thought sent a chill through him. His body was not his, even in his sleep.

He sat up slowly. The golden chains on his wrists and ankles clinked softly. Today’s outfit was even more revealing than yesterday. Sheer silver-white silk that flowed like liquid moonlight over his skin. It barely covered his chest, hugged his narrow waist, and ended high on his smooth thighs. Golden chains draped across his body like decorative jewelry, accentuating every soft curve and delicate line. One slight movement and the fabric would slip, exposing more than he wanted.

Star touched the thin material. His cheeks burned with shame. "They dress me like a toy," he muttered.

The door opened. A team of handlers entered carrying brushes, fragrant oils, and small makeup palettes. They began working almost immediately.

One brushed his long silver hair. Another applied subtle makeup that made his eyes appear larger and more captivating, while softening his lips to a delicate pink. A third sprayed magical scents across his neck and wrists, creating an aroma of sweet jasmine mixed with fresh morning dew.

Star endured it all in silence. Every stroke of the brush, every touch of their fingers, reminded him of his place here. He wanted to push them away, but he knew resistance would only bring more chains or worse punishments. So he stayed still, biting the inside of his cheek to keep his face calm.

"You are ready," one handler finally said after the yanks died down

"Madame expects perfection tonight."

"Understood" he replied.

They led him out of the cell and through the lavish backstage corridors. Other captives waited in prepared lines. A graceful elf girl with flowing golden hair trembled in her sheer dress. A handsome youth with subtle dragon horns stared at the floor.The cat-eared boy from the first day...tried to hide behind his own tail, ears flat with fear. Seeing them made Star’s chest tighten. All of them were here for the same reason he was ... their beauty had marked them as valuable goods.

"Keep moving," a handler ordered, gently pushing Star toward the stage entrance.

He was the opening act? How unconventional.

The underground auction hall was breathtaking in its opulence. Massive crystal chandeliers floated near the high ceiling, casting shifting rainbow patterns across the room. Rows of plush velvet seats held the elite of society. Nobles draped in fine robes. Wealthy merchants flashing heavy gold rings. Mysterious mages in dark hoods. A group of elegant demonesses with curved horns and glowing skin whispered excitedly among themselves. The air was thick with the scent of expensive wine, rare perfumes, and powerful magic.

Star couldn’t help but think how greatful it would be to harvest their skills right then but he was thinking above his means.

At the center stood the main stage with its slowly rotating platform bathed in bright magical spotlights. The auctioneer, a charismatic man in tailored black and gold, raised his hands.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the Velvet Collar Syndicate’s Grand Underground Auction!" His magically amplified voice echoed through the hall with dramatic flair. "For five special nights, we present only the rarest and most exquisite assets for the most discerning clients. Let the bidding begin!"

Star was led onto the stage. The moment he stepped onto the rotating platform, bright lights hit him from every direction. The sheer silk became nearly transparent under the glow, revealing the soft lines of his body. A wave of murmurs and gasps rippled through the crowd.

"And here is our star attraction for the whole auction!" the auctioneer announced with excitement. "The Silver-Haired Prize! A once-in-a-lifetime treasure found wandering the roads. Behold his ethereal beauty, delicate features, flawless skin, and those captivating curves. Rare mana affinity and natural grace included. Bidding starts at five thousand gold!"

The platform turned slowly, forcing Star to display himself from every angle. Hundreds of eyes crawled over his exposed skin. He felt completely naked despite the thin silk. Heat rose to his face as whispers reached his ears.

"So beautiful..."

"Look at those legs..."

"His waist is tiny..."

"Perfect for a collection..."

This is what I once wished for, Star thought bitterly as the platform continued its slow spin. Beauty. Attention. Admiration. Now it has become my prison.

He tried to keep his expression neutral, but inside he felt stripped bare, reduced to nothing more than an object on display.

Bidding erupted immediately. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"Six thousand!"

"Seven thousand five hundred!"

"Eight thousand!" a portly merchant shouted eagerly.

The numbers rose fast. Star gathered his courage and spoke, his soft voice carried by the stage magic. "I am not merchandise. Please... reconsider what you are doing."

Some guests laughed. Others leaned forward with greater interest.

The large doors at the back suddenly swung open with a dramatic flourish. A tall, elegant man entered, drawing every eye. He wore deep purple robes trimmed with gold thread. His black hair was styled to perfection, and an aura of refined decadence surrounded him. Whispers spread like wildfire. "Duke Valerian Voss..."

The Duke walked straight to the front row and took a seat with graceful confidence. His sharp eyes never left Star. He raised one hand lazily. "Twenty thousand gold."

The hall fell into a brief stunned silence before excited chatter exploded. His bidding instantly caused an immediate break before it even started.

During the short break period, Duke Valerian stood and approached the edge of the stage. A handler made Star step closer. The Duke studied him with open obsession, eyes tracing every curve and feature.

"Magnificent," he murmured biting his lip

" You are so hot...Those gentle, inviting curves. You truly are a masterpiece." He smiled.

"Tell me, little beauty, do you know a man named Rian?"

Star’s eyes widened. "You... know Rian?"

Duke Valerian chuckled, clearly delighted. "Know him? We are kin, dear boy. Distant cousins connected through an old noble bloodline. Our families have shared history for generations, though we rarely agree on anything. I have heard the words from Greenhaven. Rian wants you quite badly, doesn’t he? He has taken quite the interest in his pretty little wanderer."

"How did you even come to know this?"

"Spys, my dear. You are Familiar with them aren’t you?"

"I am"

"You see? That was why i was elated when i heard of the silver haired beauty in the trade. I just couldn’t shake the feeling that it might be you and oh! I was right on the money "

Star couldn’t say anything.

The Duke’s smile turned sharp and wicked. "That is precisely why I will steal you from him. Imagine his reaction when he learns his own distant cousin claimed the Silver-Haired beauty right under his nose. It will be most satisfying. You will look exquisite kneeling at my side, dressed in even finer silks, adorned with jewels only I can provide."

Star felt cold dread settle in his stomach. "I belong to no one," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady despite the suppression magic weakening his presence. "Not Rian. Not you. Not anyone."

The Duke laughed softly, clearly entertained. "Such spirit. I like that very much. It makes breaking you all the sweeter." He raised his hand again. "Twenty-five thousand gold!"

He walked away laughing.

A group of demonesses in the audience whispered with excitement. "Such a pretty toy... he would look lovely chained in our palace," one with crimson skin and elegant horns said. Another nodded in agreement, but they did not bid high enough to challenge the Duke. Two other familiar faces from Greenhaven watched. They observed with concern but lacked the wealth to compete.

Star tried one last time to discourage the bidders. He softened his gaze and spoke gently. "Duke Valerian... a man of your status surely desires willing companionship, not a forced prize."

Valerian only looked more amused. "Your resistance raises your value, my dear. Thirty thousand gold!"

The bidding war couldn’t continue anymore, Duke Valerian’s deep pockets and determination dominated. One by one, the minor nobles and eager merchants dropped out, shaking their heads in defeat.

"Thirty thousand gold going once... twice..." The auctioneer slammed his gavel. "This Batch has been worn by Duke Valerian Voss for thirty thousand gold!"

Handlers quickly led Star off the stage. His legs felt weak as they returned him to the holding cell. The moment the door locked behind him, he collapsed onto the silk bed. Exhaustion, humiliation, and anger crashed over him in waves. The thin garment now felt disgusting against his skin. He curled up, trembling slightly.

His beauty kept dragging him into these situations. It had started as a wish and turned into an endless curse. He remembered the early peaceful days in Greenhaven with Lena’s warm smile and Rian’s quiet protection. Even the difficult time with Gorzod had given him some measure of control. Here, he was nothing but a beautiful object to be bought and displayed.

Tears stung his eyes, but he wiped them away. "I will not break," he whispered fiercely to himself. "They can parade me. They can sell me. But they will never own what is inside."

Later that night, Madame Velvet entered the cell. She studied him with clear satisfaction.

"You performed beautifully today, my Silver Prize. The crowd adored you. Duke Valerian is a powerful contender, but the real competition begins tomorrow. Four more days. Four more batches of bidding. Rest well. They will demand even more from you next time."

She left with a soft, pleased laugh.

Star stood and walked to the full-length mirror. His reflection stared back — beautiful, exhausted, trapped in silk and gold chains. He always did this to calm his nerves, to remind himself that he was still there.

"Four days," he whispered. "Four batches. And on the fifth day... I will be sold like property"

He felt the tears climb into his eyes and stiffened a sob and laid back on the bed.

He was broken.