Chapter 1: The Auction of Innocence

The sun had barely set over the bustling streets of Rome, casting a warm orange glow over the crowded market square. Regulus, a 10-year-old boy with unkempt brown hair and wide, frightened eyes, stood trembling on the auction block. He was surrounded by the murmurs of wealthy men and the rustling of their fine clothes. Regulus had been taken from his family, torn from the only life he knew, and now he was nothing more than a commodity to be bought and sold. The auctioneer, a portly man with a booming voice, stood beside Regulus, holding his arm in a firm grip. "And now, gentlemen, we present to you a rare and precious item. A young boy, barely 10 years of age, with a spirit as bright as the morning sun. He is strong, healthy, and ready to be molded into the perfect companion for a discerning gentleman." Regulus's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face, but there was none. His family was nowhere to be seen. He had been taken from them, sold to this man, and now he was at the mercy of strangers. As the auctioneer continued to tout Regulus's virtues, a tall, imposing figure emerged from the shadows. He was dressed in fine, dark robes, and his piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into Regulus's very soul. The man's chiseled features and sharp jawline gave him an air of authority, and Regulus could sense the weight of his wealth and power. The man approached the auction block, his eyes locked on Regulus. "I'll give you 10,000 sestertii for the boy," he said, his voice low and smooth. The auctioneer smiled, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "A generous offer, sir. But I think we can do better than that. Who will start the bidding at 15,000?" The room fell silent, and Regulus held his breath as the rich man smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'll start the bidding at 15,000," he said, his voice dripping with confidence. "And I'll not be outdone." The auctioneer's eyes darted around the room, but no one else seemed willing to challenge the rich man's offer. After a few moments of tense silence, the auctioneer slammed his gavel down, declaring the rich man the winner. As the auctioneer released his grip on Regulus's arm, the rich man reached out and grasped the boy's wrist, his fingers closing around it like a vice. Regulus felt a chill run down his spine as the man pulled him off the block and into his side. "Welcome to your new life, Regulus," the man said, his voice dripping with condescension. "You will be my plaything, my companion, and my friend. You will learn to obey me, to serve me, and to entertain me. And in return, I will give you a life of luxury and comfort beyond your wildest dreams." Regulus's eyes widened in fear as the man led him away from the market square, into a life of uncertainty and servitude. He had no idea what lay ahead, but he knew that his innocence was lost forever.