PROLOGUE
The high priest ran through the labyrinthine corridors, heart pounding and clutching a sword in his hand. Reaching the vast double doors, he flung them open with unprecedented ease.
"Bakura!"
Suddenly, he paled, feeling all of the strength draining out of him.
The Thief King had his arm in an iron grip around a struggling young man and was holding a dagger to his neck.
"High Priest Seto. I've been expecting you."
At the name, the hostage looked up. Desperate honey-brown eyes locked with blue.
"Jounouchi …" Bracing his sword before him, Seto tried to check his trembling hands. "Let him go!"
The Thief King smiled. "Not without something in return."
"What do you want? Gold? Jewels? Name it."
"I propose a trade, my dear priest. This boy's life … for your body."
Jounouchi froze. Seto's eyes widened.
"Do you value him? Or is he just another slave to you?"
It was icily silent. Seto's eyes were fixed on the knife against Jounouchi's skin.
A hoarse sound escaped Jounouchi's throat. "No …"
Slowly, Seto straightened and dropped the sword. "Release him."
The Thief King licked his lips.
"SETO, NO!"
Jounouchi suddenly felt a sharp pressure on his neck, and his vision went black.
Tossing aside the unconscious body, the Thief King stepped forward …