Chapter 1: The Fateful Night

The flickering torches that lined the narrow alleyway cast eerie shadows on the walls as Regulus, a 9-year-old boy with delicate features and a mop of messy brown hair, clutched his small suitcase tightly to his chest. The streets were empty, save for a few stragglers hurrying to find shelter before the night grew darker. Regulus's large, anxious eyes darted about, searching for any sign of his new life. He had been sold. The thought echoed in his mind like a cruel mantra, a harsh reality that he was struggling to accept. His family, impoverished and desperate, had made the difficult decision to sell him to a wealthy man, known only as "The Patron." The rumors about The Patron's preferences had circulated whispers throughout the village, and Regulus couldn't shake the feeling that his fate was all but sealed. As he walked, the sound of horse hooves echoed through the alleyway, growing louder with each passing moment. Regulus's heart quickened, and he took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. A magnificent black carriage, adorned with golden accents, came into view, and Regulus's eyes widened as a tall, imposing figure emerged from the shadows. The man, dressed in fine attire, with a chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes, regarded Regulus with a calculating gaze. His presence exuded power and wealth, and Regulus felt a shiver run down his spine as their eyes met. "Regulus," the man said, his voice deep and commanding. "I've been expecting you. You're a fortunate young boy, to have been chosen by me." Regulus didn't respond, unsure of what to say. The man's words were laced with a sugary sweetness that made his skin crawl. Without another word, The Patron gestured to the carriage, and Regulus hesitantly climbed aboard. As the door closed behind him, he caught a glimpse of the village, now a fading memory, and wondered what lay ahead. The carriage ride was a blur of dark countryside and winding roads, Regulus's mind consumed by thoughts of his new life. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being led down a path from which there was no return. As the hours passed, the carriage finally came to a stop in front of a grand estate, its walls towering above Regulus like a monolith. The Patron led him through the entrance, into a world of opulence and excess, where Regulus's innocence would soon be lost forever. The grand foyer, with its crystal chandeliers and plush carpets, was a far cry from the modest home Regulus had known. He felt small and vulnerable, a mere pawn in a game he didn't understand. The Patron's voice cut through his thoughts, "You will be trained to become a companion, Regulus. A special role, one that requires...certain qualities." Regulus's heart sank, a sense of foreboding settling in the pit of his stomach. He knew, in that moment, that his life would never be the same. The Patron's eyes seemed to gleam with an unsettling intensity, and Regulus wondered what horrors lay in store for him. As The Patron led him deeper into the estate, Regulus steeled himself for the unknown, his young heart heavy with a sense of foreboding.