She lowered her gaze, too embarrassed to meet the man's eyes.
The law of Ikrea was clear, and no one dared to break it:
"The identity of the guest must remain secret."
Ikrea was frequented by lords, dukes, and nobles of every rank.
In recent years, its fame had only grown, fueled by the beauty of its women and the wine that flowed endlessly.
Mr. Habe often left in search of new girls.
Sofia suspected not all of them had come willingly, but she never dared to speak it aloud.
From behind a closed door came a muffled moan, turning into a cry of pleasure.
Shhh… crack…
Sofia froze, holding her breath.
From inside came dull thuds, the creak of a bed, and the hoarse voice of a man panting violently.
It wasn't the first time she had heard such scenes.
At Ikrea, they were the norm.
Cries of pleasure and pain blended together, becoming a constant background noise—
a brand of the brothel itself.
And that very normality disgusted her the most.
Suddenly—BANG!
The door burst open, and a man stumbled out, naked, dripping with sweat.
Sofia immediately lowered her gaze, cheeks burning.
Creak… creak… The floor groaned under his heavy steps as he left without even looking at her.
— "Stupid girl, come clean."
Emily's voice rang out as she rose from the bed.
Her naked body, covered in bruises and bites, gleamed in the flickering candlelight.
— "…Alright." Sofia whispered, lowering her head.
A hand pressed against her shoulder.
— "You're lucky you're so unattractive. No one desires a skinny little slave."
Emily brushed past her, heading toward the bath.
Bitch!
Emily was Mr. Habe's favorite: a beautiful girl from Ashen, a city near the capital.
No family, raised on the streets, she had followed him to escape hunger—
and had become the palace's prized jewel.
Her clear eyes, long black hair, full lips, porcelain skin, and voluptuous figure bewitched every noble.