The bandit leader knew the one-eyed man was already eyeing his little beauty.

“Easy, easy. That little beauty’s nothing like the mountain women. I’m saving her for a proper enjoyment.”

“With the Regan Empire’s troops moving this way, I’m too on edge. I won’t touch her while I’m in a foul mood—that’d ruin the whole experience.”

“You’re right, boss,” the one-eyed man chuckled. Though he was itching to “get a taste,” he knew his leader was no pushover. Push greed too far, and tomorrow his head might dangle from a camp pole.

Satisfied the man had backed down, the bandit leader smirked.

“But damn, she’s tempting. Got me rock-hard just now. Can’t have her yet, but I need a woman to take the edge off.” He grinned wickedly and turned to the one-eyed man. “Go fetch me one. Oh—and grab one for yourself too. Hehe.”

Overjoyed, the one-eyed man nodded sharply and dashed toward the prison outside camp.

To evade the Regan Empire’s patrols, the bandits had no choice but to hide deep in the woods for the long haul. To avoid starvation, they’d already raided several villages—Sophia’s was their final target. Women and children snatched from earlier raids were locked in separate cells.

The moment the one-eyed man stepped inside, a foul stench hit his nostrils. He instinctively wrinkled his nose.

No matter how “valuable” the merchandise, the cell was appalling: dead rats and insects littered the floor; some children had relieved themselves right where they sat. The nauseating air stirred contempt in him for the prisoners too.

*Hiss… that little girl’s scent was nicer. Hehe. Wonder what she’ll smell like after the boss is done with her.*

His lust flared hotter.

He stopped before a cell, sweeping the interior with a cold, predatory gaze. Caked in mud and filth from the squalid conditions, the women looked haggard—but lust had long drowned his scruples.

The women trembled. Mothers clutched their children tight, shielding small faces from his leer.

“Mama…” a little boy whispered, clinging to his mother.

She stayed silent, pressing a hand over his mouth. *Less attention, better chance.*

She didn’t notice the icy stillness in her son’s eyes as he stared at the one-eyed man—

like the eternal snow crowning the Kelong Mountains.

His eyes were strikingly beautiful. But his mother, desperate to hide him, had smeared his face with mud… and worse.

“You. And you. Come with me.”

Two women froze. Despair and shame flooded their eyes as they glanced at former neighbors—*Save me…*—a silent plea everyone read.

But…

They could barely save themselves.