On the other side of the room, inside the golden cage, the girl raised her eyes and met Sylvester’s where he stood outside. Sylvester realized that this girl, despite her youthful appearance, exuded a bewitching charm that could drive someone to commit crimes.
He felt a slight tremor in his chest, and his usually calm amber eyes flashed a hint of darkness.
He slowly squatted down, trying to put their gazes on the same level. His words, however, were not directed at her. “How can you prove that she is a Mutant?”
Silver finally understood the meaning behind Michael 's earlier mention of verification. “The Balthazar Auction House never sells counterfeit goods,” he didn’t buy into all the fuss. If Silver wants something, it has to be genuine.
None of his procurers would dare break his rules. He took a deep breath and turned to look at Sylvester's back. “Her self-healing ability is very strong. Minor injuries can heal in an instant and her blood can neutralize various toxins. Mr. Gomez, if you don't believe, I can arrange for someone to test it for your verification.”
Instant recovery, huh? Interesting!
A trace of intense fascination flashed in Sylvester's eyes as he curled his lips. “No need to find someone, I will personally verify it.”
His cold, pale hand beckoned the girl, and as one might call an indulgent little pet, he faintly said, “Come here, little thing.”
As the words fell, the girl approached and placed her hand in Sylvester's large palm. Her eyes were innocent, unaware of any impending danger.
The softness of her palm made it impossible to grip with force, as if applying any pressure would crush the bones in her hand. It made him somewhat reluctant to cause her harm.
But he was [the] Sylvester and he must ensure the auction house’s claims were not false., Was he even capable of tenderness, anyway?
Sylvester raised an eyebrow, and suddenly a knife appeared in his hand. Amidst the astonished gazes of everyone, the sharply glinting blade gleamed and ruthlessly slashed across the girl's arm.
A line of scarlet slid down toward her cold and slender wrist, mysteriously beautiful as gravity inched it ever further along.
Silver's pupils shrank. As he was about to step forward, he locked eyes with her clear gaze. He instantly understood that she was warning him not to approach.
He felt as if his feet were filled with lead, standing motionless.
Sylvester’s full focus was on the girl's wound, unaware of the other man's abnormal behavior.
He watched intently as the wound healed rapidly, almost instantaneously, returning to its pristine state.
Instant recovery, as Silver described.
Sylvester’s heart trembled. As for detoxification...
Silver and Michael thought that this was enough. The ability to instantly heal minor injuries proved that this Mutant was not counterfeit. After all, how could an ordinary person possess such ability?
But in the next instant, everyone stood rooted in place, shocked by the scene before them.
Outside the golden cage, this handsome man dropped down on one knee, drawing the girl’s icy hand close. He lowered his head, his thin lips covering her wrist as he licked away the fresh blood, relishing it.
Like an apostle, his eyes shone with fervor, devoutly worshiping his goddess.
No one noticed the clarity deep in the girl's eyes, which shone ever brighter.
Sylvester slowly released her hand, wiping away the blood stains from the corner of his mouth with a casual gesture. A sinister and mad laugh escaped from his throat.
Truly a Mutant.
Exquisite!
He could feel a warm glow seeming to radiate through his body, his fragmented pain subsiding. Detoxification, verification complete.
Michael stood to the side, not too close, but still able to clearly see the fantastical scene. His mouth dropped open in astonishment, unable to close.
What shocked him more than the Mutant's rapid wound recovery, was his friend’s behavior…
The boss never touched anyone. He had severe germaphobia and was disgusted by touching things he hadn’t cleaned himself, let alone the blood from a woman that he’d never met before.
And to actually drink it!? How bizarre.
Sylvester's eyes flickered with heat and the desire to own her in every way. The newly acquired Mutant was interesting.
“Balthazar, this is quite the treasure you got your hands on.”
He was very satisfied with his purchase.
In a rare good mood, Sylvester extended his hand toward the girl, his voice dangerously seductive, tempting her closer. “Come with me.”
As Sylvester reached into the cage, Silver's pupils contracted and he sprinted over, stumbling in his rush. He threw out his arm, unconsciously making a restraining gesture, and he reluctantly announced, “Mr. Gomez, this Mutant usually doesn't care to have people touch her...”
Just then, chilled fingers grasped Sylvester's large hand. His gaze shifted to that tender touch then back to the girl's face.
She was smiling, radiating warmth.
Years later, when Sylvester recalled this smile, he always felt that Heaven had been kind to him.
Silver's body stiffened and his hand fell. Although he had known she was going to leave, his heart still felt empty. He spoke solemnly, as if leaving a will.
“Mr. Gomez, the Mutant is usually well-behaved. Please take good care of her. This is the Mutant Handbook, compiled by The Immortal Man. You can take a look. Mutants come out fully formed but with no knowledge. They will imprint and learn whatever you teach. Fill her like an empty vessel.”
Sylvester didn't immediately look at the handbook, but instead passed it to Michael, who stood beside him. “I don't want anyone to know that Balthazar’s auctioned off the Mutant today.”
When something that extends life appears, it can bring a lot of trouble.
Silver nodded, “Understood. Once the people who came to today’s auction leave, they will lose their memories of it.”
Balthazar’s had a drug, colorless and tasteless, to put in drinks and food. Those who consumed it wouldn't remember. Later in the night, Balthazar’s would hold a banquet that everyone would certainly attend.
Sylvester smirked, “You better keep your word.”
Silver nodded, “I hope you, Mr. Gomez, can do the same. Protect her for a lifetime.”
“Rest assured.” These two resolute words came out of Sylvester's mouth and held immense weight.
The concern burrowing deep in Silver’s heart lifted. What was he worrying about again, anyway? This was Sylvester, and he would definitely fulfill his promise. The two men nodded at one another before Sylvester and his encourage began their long journey away from the auction house.
Silver stood by the window, watching as a discreet convoy slowly departed in the night, a gentle breeze brushing by.
Blowing his scattered hair on his forehead, the moonlit shadows stretched far into the night.
Peony stood behind him, looking in the same direction until the car disappeared before speaking lightly, “Lady Phoenix, reborn from the ashes, will surely achieve something. There is no need for you to worry.”
“Yes, she has a clear goal, and she has already woven a web in her heart. I... am not worried.”