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CHANGES

Bride..

Whatever force or thinking made him say those words was lost on Elias. It was a spur of the moment. Just like how he bought her on that auction.

He didn't really have any plan or ulterior motives to use her, that Slay Vega. He's just curious just like everyone else, like a child who happens to lay his eyes on a very exotic animal whose race is on the brink of extinction.

But what he saw there standing in that platform wrapped in tattered clothes and tied in chains was quite far from what he had in mind.

The other magicians and wizards all started throwing their bids in a frenzy to get their hands on the creature in order to drain her power and use her for whatever experiment they want to do.

He just kept to the shadows, just an outsider with the intention to only observe from afar.

Then he saw her eyes.

Bleak and distant.

As though she no longer care whatever happens to her.

Did he feel pity back then?

He couldn't tell.

But before he could reflect on his reaction, Elias was already walking down the hall towards that child, bidding five million in just one swoop.

And just like any rational being, he tried to apply logic to his behavior.

"I've decided. You will become my apprentice."

Yes, it was the most reasonable thing to do given the situation. Since the others are pressing him to help raise the next generation of magicians and wizards alike, why not take an apprentice? It will solve the matter at hand and also keep him busy for quite a while.

He did what a responsible teacher would do and treated the child with care. Gave her food, clothes and shelter. Protected her and made her feel as though she has a family until those eyes no longer look bleak and lifeless.

Then he said he will make her his wife.

There's really no logic applicable to explain that, or is there?

Ever since he bought Chesi from the auction, Elias started to do things that are against his nature. A monster like him doesn't save humans nor keep one as a bride.

He was puzzled and yet at the same time something inside him settled down at the absurd possessiveness. As though it's just right. She was his after all, since he bought her and all.

But little did Elias know that it was the start of something new— something he didn't know he was capable of.

He found out that he can be lonely when she's not around.

Or angry and terrified when she's hurt.

Even jealous.

In his hundreds of years of existence it was the first time that he felt quite alive, and like a child given a bag full of sweets, Elias had feasted upon it. Nearly wallowing in it.

Yes, she was truly a prize.

Not because of the five million pounds he spent just to have her nor was it because of her exotic nature.

It was something else.

Something his logical brain couldn't quite identify.

"Hmm."

Elias glanced down at the head full of rumpled red locks as Chesi snuggled beside him while the faint sound of thunder rumble outside.

Gently, he brushed her hair and closed his eyes.

Logic no longer important.