Sold to the Devil (The Hollow Reign #1)

PROLOGUE

Aelys

A knock on my bedroom door wakes me. I open the door, meeting my father's brown eyes.

“Hello, Father. Is everything all right?”

He stares at me for a few seconds before straightening up a little more.

“Put on formal clothes, darling. We have somewhere important to go.”

My eyes widen and a smile spreads across my face.

Father never lets me leave the house. He always claims it's for my own safety, saying that being on the Dark Mage's side could make me a target.

He says his enemies won't hesitate to harm me for information even if I know nothing about my father's business.

I only know whose side he's on, and honestly, I don't care.

Who am I to challenge my father's beliefs?

If he's on Darkvis's side, he has good reasons and I have no right to question him.

Father asks me to meet him downstairs in ten minutes, so I run to my closet and pick out a pretty black dress.

Its length sits just above my knees, the sleeves end mid-elbow, and it hugs my wide hips perfectly.

It's formal, but it still makes me look sexy.

I grab my wand and cast a spell to do a simple makeup look—basically mascara and lipstick.

I brush my brown hair down, leaving it loose and falling down my back.

I tuck my wand into the strap I tighten around my thigh, not wanting to carry a purse.

I put on black heels and head downstairs to where my father is waiting.

Once he sees me, he nods, approving of my clothes, before offering me his arm. I realize we're going to teleport and I link my arm in his. He waves his wand, and a crushing sensation fills my body, making me close my eyes in discomfort.

When I open them again, they widen, amazed by the immense mansion we stand in front of. Father opens the gates and beckons me to follow him, soon we stand in front of large doors and knock. A woman with black and white hair opens the door with a warm smile.

“Mr. Hewloc, please come in. Oh, hello my dear, you must be Aelys?”

“Hello, madam, yes, it's me. I'm terribly sorry if I seem rude, but I'm afraid I don't know your name,” I say, embarrassed.

Her smile widens and she hugs me after closing the door behind us.

“Don't worry, my sweet girl, you're not being rude at all! I'm Carmen Leroi, it's a real pleasure to finally meet you. Your father and your cousin have told me a lot about you!”

I smile at the mention of my cousin, Nancy.

Considering Father always keeps me locked up in our manor, she's my only friend and I care deeply for her.

Unfortunately, since she's studying at the Scotland's National Witchcraft Academy and I'm at home, we don't get to see each other as much as we'd like.

I really miss her and hope to see her again soon.

My father clears his throat, bringing me back to reality.

“Is the Dark Mage busy, Carmen?”

Her smile fades a little before returning to her face.

“The meeting ended a few minutes ago. He's waiting for you now, Caius. You're right on time.”

Father nods and gestures for me to follow him.

Carmen gives my arm a gentle squeeze and smiles sadly when I look at her confused.

I ignore her and follow Father to a pair of large double doors.

He knocks before entering, letting me join him.

We find ourselves in front of a huge table, with the Dark Mage sitting at he end, smiling.

“Ah, my dear Caius. I see you kept your word and brought your daughter with you today.”

Father bows slightly, answering him while I remain silent.

“Yes, Master. Please allow me to introduce you to my sweet daughter, Aelys.”

“Come here, my child.”

I move my feet without thinking and go to the Mage's side, bowing once I reach him. His smirk widens as he offers me his palm, asking for my hand. I place my hand in his and he seems to inspect me closely. His skin is cold, too cold for a human being.

“Tell me, my child, which side are you on in this war?”

I don't hesitate before answering. “Yours, Master.”

I feel a tingling sensation in my head and quickly realize that he's reading my thoughts to see if I'm telling the truth. I don't worry because I know I am. Like I said, if Father is on the Dark Mage's side, then so am I. He seems satisfied with my answer and sniffs thoughtfully.

“Would you like to join me, like your father, my child?”

“I would be honored to become one of your disciples Master.”

I bow again. Feeling proud to be offered a seat next to the Master, knowing Father will be equally proud. Darkvis chuckles evilly before turning my hand in his palm toward the ceiling.

“Oh, my poor, innocent child, I wasn't talking about making you a disciple. Not yet, at least. You will have the Trace, yes, but when the time is right.”

He runs his fingernail over my palm, his gaze focused on his movement. “To further prove his loyalty, your Father made me an offer. Do you want to hear what he offered me, my child?”

“Yes, Master.”

His red eyes meet mine and the smirk returns to his face, exposing rotten and yellow teeth.

“Your father offered me your hand. You, my dear child, are to marry my son. You see, he will take my place after I die and he must ensure that our reign lasts. He needs an heir, which you will give him.”

I swallow the lump that has formed in my throat and lean back.

“It will be my honor, Master.”

He chuckles, tightening his grip on my hand. I wince silently, but he doesn't seem to mind.

“From now on you will live here with us. You will join my son at the Wizarding Academy this year and I will give you a task to complete. Once you have completed it, my dear, I will give you the Trace. Certainly, marrying my son is a start, but you will still have to prove your loyalty. Am I clear?”

“Yes, Master.”

I bow and he lets go of my hand gesturing us towards the exit.

“You can leave now. Carmen will take you to your room. If I'm not mistaken, your things were brought here during our conversation.”

I bow again, thanking him. Leaving the room and glancing briefly at my father.

He avoids my gaze, staring intently at the table.

He must think I'm angry at him, but I know he did it for our family.

If marrying the Dark Mage's son can prove our dedication to his cause and make my father proud, then it's an honor to have this opportunity.

It's not the life I dreamed of, but then again, who am I to defy my father's choices?

Carmen is waiting for me outside the room with a small smile on her full lips. She beckons me to follow her and we head towards the stairs. We walk for a while before stopping in front of a door. She opens it, and I am mesmerized by the beauty of the room.

The walls are painted dark green and the floor has black tiles.

A queen-sized bed sits by the window, draped in black silk sheets.

On the left wall are two doors that, I assume, lead to a bathroom and closet.

To my right is a huge bookcase filled with books of all sizes.

I smile brightly at the sight, I love books; they are my escape.

“All your things have been brought here, my dear.”

Carmen's soft voice makes me turn my head towards her. She smiles, but I can see a hint of sadness in her eyes. She probably knows why I'm moving in and most likely feels sorry for me. Father sold me to the Dark Mage after all.

“I'm sorry, but the Master insisted that you and his son share a room, so you'll be staying in his.”

My eyes widen slightly. Is this my future husband's room? I've never shared a bed with anyone, except Nancy. Carmen must have sensed my anxiety, because she gives me a comforting hug.

“If you're too uncomfortable staying with Mattheo, let me know and I'll prepare another room. The Master will be leaving on business tonight and will be gone for the rest of the week, he won't know,” she whispers in my ear.

I shake my head and squeeze her arms.

“It's fine, I have to follow orders. Besides, we're getting married, I have to get to know him. But thank you, I appreciate your kindness, Madame Leroi.”

“Oh, call me Carmen!”

I smile shyly and nod. She apologizes, explaining that she has an appointment, but tells me to do whatever I want and feel free to make myself at home.

She also mentions the elves, insisting that I can ask them for anything I want without hesitation.

I nod again and step into the bedroom, closing the door behind me.

I wander to the doors on my left and I'm pleased to see that I’m right.

One is a huge closet, filled with men's clothes on one side and my own on the other.

While the other one is a bathroom with a double shower, a large bathtub and two sinks under a full-length mirror.

It's practically as big as the bedroom itself.

I see that my hygiene products are already on the right of the sink. I guess that's my side.

His side is well-organized, he seems to like things tidy. I have no idea what he looks like or how old he is, all I know is his name, since Carmen mentioned it.

Mattheo.

I walk over to the bookshelf and quickly look through the books, hoping to find a clue about my future husband's age.

My fingers run over the spines, my eyes are quickly scanning the titles when I'm brought back to reality by the sound of a door opening.

I turn around and freeze at the sight of the boy who has entered the room.

He looks about my age, has curly brown hair, chocolate eyes, slightly tanned skin and what look like scars on his nose and right eye.

He's wearing black pants with a white shirt, I can see his muscles beneath the fabric.

He looks toned and deadly attractive. He looks at me, and I can't help but feel nervous.

“What are you doing in my room?”

‘Damn,' I think, 'Doesn't he know who I am? Didn't the Dark Mage tell him anything?'

“Fuck! What didn't my father tell me?”

I blink, taken aback. I'm sure I only thought that. Can he read minds? He smiles, but his eyes darken. I swallow before answering, my eyes falling to the floor in a submissive gesture.

“I'm sorry, this is the room given to me by the Dark Mage. I am Aelys, your future wife.”

I flinch at the sound of the door slamming against the wall.

I look up to notice that he's gone, probably going to his father, to see if I'm telling the truth.

I swallow again. I'm relieved to know he's my age and really attractive, but I'm terrified of how he'll act around me.

He didn't seem happy at all to hear who I am.

I just hope he doesn't treat me too badly.